NDIS Cuts Inquiry Extended After Deal Between Government and Greens

It happened on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:52 pm.

The government says changes are needed to slow the growth of the NDIS, which now costs over $50 billion a year.

Here is a short summary:

The Senate committee looking at NDIS cuts got an extension after a deal between the government and Greens.

The inquiry received over 4,000 public submissions and heard concerns from the disability sector.

What happens next?

The inquiry will now report in mid-August, with the government standing by its approach.

Disability advocates welcomed a pause to a bill that could lead to the biggest-ever cuts to the NDIS.

A deal between the government and Greens extended the Senate inquiry into NDIS cuts until August 14.

The Senate inquiry was set to hand down its final report, but it was postponed twice to consider more evidence.

An interim report recommended the bill pass with extra clarifications and a roadmap for change.

Coalition senators criticized the government, saying more transparency was needed.

The Greens and an independent senator had concerns about proposed ministerial powers and automated decision-making.

More on the NDIS.

Topic: Explainer.

Topic: Federal Government.

Topic: Disabilities.

Topic: People With Disability.

The inquiry received over 4,000 public submissions in just over two weeks and spent three days listening to concerns.

The changes would remove over 200,000 people from the NDIS over four years, saving about $38 billion.

The government says the changes are needed to slow the growth of the NDIS and crack down on fraud.

George Taleporos welcomed the eight-week extension to the inquiry.

George Taleporos said it was critical the bill got proper scrutiny.

He said giving people with disability just two weeks to respond was ridiculous and disrespectful.

The bill poses serious risks to essential supports and will cause harm.

The Greens secured amendments, including a softening of ministerial powers and more transparency.

Despite the amendments, the Greens will continue to oppose the bill.

Women with Disability Australia welcomed the extension and said it must be used for genuine consultation.

The amendments do not resolve broader concerns about the bill.

Significant cuts to the NDIS will never be safe policy without strong alternatives.

Critics say the cuts are dangerous and will hurt vulnerable people.

Australian Autism Alliance co-chair Jenny Karavolos said it is better to spend eight weeks getting reform right.

The next eight weeks should be about demonstrating that systems are genuinely ready.

Mark Butler said the extension will help dispel misapprehensions around the NDIS cuts.

A 12-month delay on the NDIS bill would see $17 billion in savings lost.

Mark Butler said the proposed changes remain the right package for the NDIS.

He said the government will spend the next eight weeks smoothing relations with states and territories.

He rejected concerns that people would die because of the overhaul.

These are big and confronting changes for participants, and anxiety is expected.

It is hard reform, but big change needs to happen to the NDIS.

Key NDIS dates.

July 1: Start of mandatory registration for some providers.

July 2: Reporting date for parliamentary inquiry into NDIS fraud.

August 14: New reporting date for Senate inquiry into NDIS bill.

October 1: First phase of Thriving Kids starts.

The NDIS supports over 774,000 participants and is growing at 11.3 per cent annually.

Earlier this year, national cabinet agreed to limit annual growth to at least 5-6 per cent.

NDIS providers and allied health professionals hit out at new caps for how much they can charge.

The NDIS's annual pricing review dictates the maximum amount providers can bill.

Occupational Therapy Australia said the decision to freeze the standard hourly cap is a national health emergency.

This decision will push clinicians out of the scheme, and people with disability will pay the price.

When people with disability cannot access essential care, the long-term harm is profound.

With more changes surrounding the NDIS, here's everything you need to know.

Speech pathologists and physiotherapists saw a freeze, while psychologists saw a $20 increase.

If passed, the NDIS bill would grant the federal minister powers to make pricing determinations.

National Disability Services is concerned therapy prices have not risen for the seventh consecutive year.

CEO Michael Perusco said the pricing announcement's interaction with other NDIS changes is crucial.

The reform agenda presents significant risks for quality providers in the short to medium term.

It happened on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 2:52 pm.

It happened on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 4:22 pm.

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