Carers Australia says reforms may move costs to families

Proposed NDIS changes could increase unpaid caring, reduce workforce participation and shift more costs onto families, according to Carers Australia.

At a Senate inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill 2026, chief executive Joanna Cave focused on Australia’s more than three million unpaid carers.

Those carers support people with disability through personal care, transport, advocacy, system navigation and emotional support across Australia.

Cave told senators that unpaid carers provide about $80 billion in care each year. She argued that amount is higher than the savings expected from the proposed reforms.

“Unpaid carers provide about $80 billion in care to Australians annually, that’s more than the savings expected from the proposed changes,” she said.

$1300 shower hose example

However, Carers Australia backed efforts to improve the integrity and long-term sustainability of the NDIS.

The organisation supports stronger oversight, more transparency and fairer pricing across the scheme to deliver better value for taxpayers.

Cave argued the bill targets the wrong areas. She told the inquiry that tighter eligibility and smaller participant plans are not the only ways to control NDIS costs.

According to Carers Australia, some goods and services inside the NDIS market cost far more than similar items outside the scheme.

One example involved an unpaid carer whose son has disability. An NDIS provider proposed charging $1300 to supply and fit a shower hose.

After rejecting that quote, the man went to Bunnings and bought the same fitting for $60. He then watched a YouTube video and installed it himself.

Following that example, Carers Australia argued that stronger oversight, transparency and fairer pricing would help curb cost growth.

Meanwhile, Cave warned that many carers are already exhausted and overwhelmed. She told senators that some carers are close to a tipping point.

If the bill reduces supports, families may need to fill the gap with more unpaid work. That shift could force more carers to cut paid hours or leave jobs.

Carers Australia also wants carers directly involved as the 2026 reforms are debated and implemented.

“For the NDIS to be sustainable, it is essential that the impact on carers of proposed changes is considered,” Cave said.

Related: NDIS reform