NDIS Reform Update July 2026
Where Things Stand and What It Means for People with Down Syndrome
Over the last few months there has been a lot of discussion about proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Understandably, many people with disability, families and carers are feeling worried and uncertain about what the future may hold.
At Down Syndrome NSW, we want to reassure our community of one important fact:
Nothing has changed for NDIS participants yet.
While governments, disability organisations, advocates and the community are actively debating proposed reforms, the majority of changes that have attracted concern are still progressing through consultation, legislation, parliamentary processes and future implementation planning. Many of the proposals are not expected to begin until 2027 or later, and some remain subject to further consultation and refinement.
What has been happening?
In May, the Australian Government introduced the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. DSNSW Submission into the proposed amendments can be read here. Down Syndrome NSW : Policy and Advocacy
The Government says the reforms are intended to improve sustainability, strengthen safeguards, reduce fraud and create a more consistent approach to planning and funding decisions. Down Syndrome NSW and the Down Syndrome Consortium have serious concerns about the impact of these reforms on the Down syndrome community,.
What has Down Syndrome NSW been doing?
Down Syndrome NSW has been actively involved in advocacy and policy discussions throughout this period.
Over the past two months we have:
- Participated in disability sector policy groups and NDIS consultation forums to understand proposed changes and raise concerns
- Worked with partner organisations across the disability sector to identify key issues affecting people with Down syndrome and their families
- Made submissions and provided feedback on emerging reforms and proposed planning changes. This has included work on the draft NDIS Planning Framework and engagement with government and sector stakeholders
- Supported members to understand proposed changes and engage in advocacy efforts. We have encouraged families to have their voices heard through disability advocacy campaigns and feedback opportunities.
- Continued direct support to families who have questions about planning, funding, reviews and navigating uncertainty. This remains one of the most important parts of our role.
Our focus has been simple: ensuring that reforms improve outcomes for people with disability rather than creating additional barriers.
What has Down Syndrome Australia been doing?
Down Syndrome Australia (DSA) has continued its national advocacy role, representing the interests of people with Down syndrome in discussions with the Federal Government and across national policy forums.
As the national peak body, DSA has worked alongside state and territory organisations to monitor developments, provide feedback on proposed reforms and ensure the voices of people with Down syndrome and their families are represented in national discussions. DSA's role includes national policy, advocacy and engagement with the Federal Government on issues affecting the Down syndrome community.
What has Every Australian Counts been doing?
Every Australian Counts, the grassroots campaign that helped create the NDIS, has been one of the most active voices during the recent reform discussions.
Over recent months Every Australian Counts has:
- Hosted webinars and information sessions to explain the proposed legislation and reforms.
- Collected feedback and stories from people with disability, families and carers.
- Encouraged people to participate in consultation processes and tell decision-makers what the proposed changes would mean in their lives.
- Advocated strongly for safeguards to ensure reforms do not reduce choice, control or access to necessary supports.
- Helped mobilise thousands of responses from people with disability, families and supporters concerned about the direction of the reforms.
Their message has been consistent: people with disability must be at the centre of any reform process.
So where are we now?
The short answer is that we are still in a period of consultation and change.
The Federal Government has outlined a roadmap for reforms extending over several years. Consultation on major elements such as the new planning framework, eligibility assessments and future support models is expected to continue. Many significant reforms are scheduled to occur progressively over the coming years.
At the same time, the disability community continues to raise concerns about the impact some proposals could have on participants, families and carers. Disability organisations, advocacy groups and individuals are actively engaging with government to improve the reforms and ensure they produce fair and practical outcomes.
There is still considerable work to do before many of the proposed reforms are finalised and implemented.
Our message to the Down syndrome community
We know many families are anxious.
We know there are still many unanswered questions.
And we know there is significant work still to be done to get these reforms right.
For now, the key message is simple:
Nothing has changed for your current NDIS plan because of these proposed reforms.
If changes do occur in the future, they will be subject to legislation, consultation, implementation processes and transition arrangements.
Down Syndrome NSW will continue to:
- Advocate for practical, person-centred reforms.
- Work closely with Down Syndrome Australia, Every Australian Counts and other disability organisations.
- Provide information and support to our members.
- Raise concerns when proposed changes may adversely affect people with Down syndrome.
- Push for common-sense solutions that recognise the real experiences of people with disability and their families.
The NDIS has transformed lives. Any future changes must strengthen that promise, not weaken it.
We remain committed to working alongside our community to ensure people with Down syndrome continue to receive the supports they need to live full, connected and ordinary lives.
