Senate inquiry told 240,000 people will exit National Disability Insurance Scheme

A Senate inquiry into proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme was told that 240,000 existing participants will be removed from the program. The health, disability and ageing department also projected that an additional 110,000 people who would have joined over the next five years will be directed to other support services instead.

This group includes children with developmental delays or autism who would move to the Thriving Kids program.

Inquiry testimony Shadow NDIS minister Melissa McIntosh said the government should not rush reforms affecting large numbers of people. "Throughout the hearings, witnesses have been telling the Committee that people will die as a result of these changes.

It is our responsibility to listen to their concerns," she said. "The NDIS must be sustainable, and it needs real reform. " The inquiry is examining government plans to alter eligibility and funding rules for the scheme.