What was debated in Parliament
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill makes major changes to the NDIS, including moving eligibility from diagnosis to a functional capacity assessment, requiring appropriate treatment before a disability counts as permanent, limiting unscheduled plan reviews, letting the minister cut funding for groups of supports such as community participation, giving the minister control of prices, and expanding fraud powers and automated decisions. The debate focused on cost growth, fraud, the community participation cuts, the undefined assessment and whether other supports would be ready. The bill passed with many amendments.
Arguments made in support
The Government said the scheme is growing too fast and could cost $100 billion a year next decade, risking public support, so reform is needed to secure it.
Government members said the changes return the NDIS to its original purpose of supporting people with permanent and significant disability, following the independent NDIS review.
The Government said new registration rules, investigation powers, civil penalties and a 90-day claim limit will help tackle fraud that harms participants.
Government speakers said community participation spending tripled to $12 billion in five years, and a $200 million fund and foundational supports like Thriving Kids will help.
The Coalition supported the bill, saying the scheme must be sustainable, and backed stronger registration and integrity measures, while seeking changes to protect daily living supports.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Greens opposed the bill, saying it would push about 241,000 people off the scheme and that revenue could be raised elsewhere, such as a gas export tax.
Crossbench and Coalition speakers said eligibility rules and the assessment tool had not been designed, leaving participants uncertain, and that consultation was rushed.
Many speakers said the 'all appropriate treatment' test could exclude people who cannot afford or reach treatment, especially in regional areas.
Critics warned the 50 per cent cut to community participation funding could isolate people and increase risks of abuse, and that replacement services were not ready.
Crossbench members and the Greens raised concerns about broad ministerial powers, minister-set pricing and automated decisions, citing robodebt. Coalition speakers said fraud measures did not go far enough.
261 speeches by 89 members in the House and Senate over 11 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 14 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 26 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 27 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 28 May 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 22 June 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 1 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 12 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 17 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 18 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 19 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Includes votes on amendments and procedure.