Campaign Highlights Economic and Social Impacts
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) has launched a national campaign titled Reasonable. Necessary. Ordinary. to oppose expected cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the forthcoming Federal Budget. The campaign, launched on 21st April 2026, stresses that NDIS funding is crucial for supporting basic daily needs and contributes $2.25 to the economy for every dollar spent. PWDA warns that anticipated reductions in NDIS growth will negatively impact participants’ ability to work, study, and engage in community activities.
PWDA President Jeramy Hope explained, “I rely on about 25 to 30 hours of support each week. That support is not a luxury. It is what allows me to work, spend time with my family and stay out of hospital.” In 2024-25, $60 million was spent contesting participants through tribunals instead of funding their supports. PWDA is urging the government to focus on fixing inefficiencies in the system rather than reducing access.
Impact of Potential Cuts
According to PWDA, the NDIS enables 42 per cent of participants to report improved life satisfaction. However, the organisation cautions that cuts will transfer pressure to families, aged care, hospitals, and crisis systems. Acting CEO of PWDA, Megan Spindler-Smith, stated that the NDIS funds essential supports, not extras. “For some, that is specialist training to safely leave the house. For others, it is support workers who make it possible to study, work, and contribute to the economy,” Mx Spindler-Smith said.
Jeramy Hope added, “When governments talk about reducing growth, they are talking about cutting the supports people rely on to live ordinary lives. For people like me, the NDIS is what allows us to get out of bed, shower safely, and be part of our communities.” The NDIS is seen as essential social infrastructure, with PWDA emphasizing its dual role in delivering both social and economic value. It allows people with disabilities to live, work, and participate in communities.
The campaign highlights that the NDIS returns $2.25 to the Australian economy for every dollar invested, underscoring its economic importance alongside its social benefits. Individuals are encouraged to support the campaign by signing the petition available at pwd.org.au/stopNDIScuts.
Last updated: 21 April 2026, 6:34 pm
