Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Thursday 14 May 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on the government's proposal to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme to ensure its long-term sustainability and return to its original intent of supporting those with permanent and significant disabilities. The legislation aims to tighten eligibility criteria, limit unscheduled plan reassessments, and strengthen integrity measures to combat fraud and non-compliance. It also introduces new governance arrangements, including ministerial control over pricing and the establishment of a technical advisory group for functional capacity thresholds. The bill seeks to address rising costs by resetting funding for certain support categories and improving the regulation of providers and plan managers. The debate concluded with the motion for second reading being moved, though no final vote result was recorded in the transcript.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the motion for second reading was moved.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Mark Butler (Hindmarsh) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Butler argued that the bill would secure the future of the NDIS by returning it to its original purpose of delivering lifelong assistance to Australians with permanent and significant disability. Butler stated that the measures would improve support quality and provide the National Disability Insurance Agency with necessary powers to regulate payments and address fraudulent activity. Butler highlighted that the bill incorporates recommendations from independent reviews, including the 2023 NDIS Review and the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. Butler emphasized that the legislation would clarify eligibility criteria, limit unscheduled plan reassessments, and strengthen the link between impairments and support needs to ensure scheme sustainability.