NDIS Changes Cause Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts

ABC Ballarat

Topic: People With Disability

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:01 am

Andrew Bretherton is worried about his NDIS payments being cut.

In short:

The government is trying to reduce NDIS spending, causing participants to suffer physically and mentally.

Users say cuts are limiting vital support for daily life.

What's next?

Advocates warn that participants will continue to struggle unless the government addresses complex individual needs.

Andrew Bretherton was granted NDIS access after three attempts and thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Mr. Bretherton has a complex illness called myalgic encephalomyelitis and is afraid of being removed from the scheme.

He is worried about his NDIS payments being cut.

Mr. Bretherton has seen people with his condition removed or have their funding cut, causing fear in the ME/CFS community.

These fears are affecting Mr. Bretherton's mental health, and he is not alone.

A disability activist says the system causes anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts for those it is supposed to help.

More cuts are coming

The government announced it would remove over 160,000 people from the NDIS last month.

The government said it was trying to reduce massive cost blowouts.

Mr. Bretherton, who also has autism, said NDIS cuts have directly affected him in the past.

The federal government announced it was trying to reduce NDIS spending.

Before the NDIS, Mr. Bretherton was mostly housebound and bedbound.

He didn't have supports to participate in his community.

He is concerned that future cuts will restrict his access to the community and cause mental health risks.

Art therapy helped Mr. Bretherton, but it was cut completely.

His physio was cut substantially, leading to more physical pain and mobility issues.

People want certainty

People with Disabilities Australia's acting chief executive, Megan Spindler-Smith, said many people dealing with the NDIS are experiencing exhaustion.

Navigating the NDIS can be incredibly stressful.

People are trying to work, study, raise children, manage their health, and participate in their communities while navigating complex systems.

Many people feel they are constantly justifying their disabilities and support needs, adding to their mental health strain.

NDIS recipients say the system can be transformative when it works well, but certainty is needed for participants and their families.

People are being told replacement systems will exist, but there is no clarity on what they will look like or who will be eligible.

Megan Spindler-Smith says many people dealing with the NDIS are experiencing exhaustion.

PWDA has heard from people who sought additional mental health support due to NDIS stress.

Ultimately, people want certainty.

The federal minister for health and disabilities was contacted but did not respond.

Fears for the future

Independent disability activist Zoe Simmons said navigating the NDIS system takes a huge mental toll on people with disabilities.

Many people feel like a burden when asking for basic human needs.

Zoe Simmons says navigating the NDIS system takes a huge mental toll on people with disabilities.

Mx Simmons has fortnightly mental health sessions to cope and is terrified of NDIS changes causing isolation and worsening mental health.

It was hard for Mx Simmons to access current supports, and they are unsure if they will have enough to survive in the future.

ABC Ballarat — local news in your inbox

Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 6:01 am

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