Opened the debate
Steele-John argued that the government had failed to clarify which of the 160,000 people targeted for removal from the NDIS would be affected. The senator contended that the government was using allegations of fraud and rorts as a distraction from intended cuts totalling $35 billion. Steele-John stated that these reforms would negatively impact disabled people's access to essential supports and services. The senator asserted that the government should instead focus on taxing high-income earners and gas exporters rather than reducing disability funding.