Independent MPs Demand Safeguards Against Proposed NDIS Funding Cuts
Federal Independent MPs, led by Dr Monique Ryan, are urging the Albanese Government to pause NDIS funding reductions and the rollout of automated tools until foundational support programs are fully operational to protect vulnerable participants.
Harry Taruva 
Canberra, Australia - Federal Independent Members of Parliament (MPs) have issued a stern warning to the Albanese Government, cautioning that proposed funding reductions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) risk leaving the nation’s most vulnerable citizens without essential care.
Led by Kooyong MP Dr Monique Ryan, a prominent group of crossbenchers including Zali Steggall, Kate Chaney and Nicolette Boele has formally called for greater transparency and robust safeguards.
The group’s intervention comes as the NDIS faces intense scrutiny ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget, with the government seeking to curb the scheme’s rapidly growing expenditure.
In a formal letter addressed to federal ministers Mark Butler and Jenny McAllister, the MPs outlined deep-seated concerns regarding potential access cuts and the impending rollout of an automated plan-setting tool.
While the government argues that spending growth must be managed, the Independent MPs contend that reducing support before viable alternatives are established is a dangerous strategy.
"Since its establishment in 2013, the NDIS has transformed the lives of Australians with permanent and significant disability," the group noted.
They however acknowledged that demand has outpaced original projections, largely due to a lack of support services for those with mild to moderate needs outside of the NDIS framework.
A primary point of contention is the delay of the Thriving Kids program.
The initiative, designed to provide foundational support for children, is not expected to commence until October and will not reach full scale until 2028.
The MPs are urging the government to ensure these foundational supports are fully operational before any eligibility criteria for the NDIS are tightened.
The crossbenchers have also called for the legislation of "no-worst-off" protections for children transitioning between programs and a full response to recommendations from the NDIS Review.
