Huge cuts to national disability insurance scheme aim to save more than $36bn in budget’s largest single measure

AI Summary

Drastic changes to Australia's national disability insurance scheme are expected to save more than $36 billion, significantly affecting the accessibility of services for individuals with disabilities. This move, announced in the context of the 2026 federal budget, raises concerns about the implications for public health and support systems.

NDIS changes foreshadowed by health minister Mark Butler will drastically reduce access to the scheme, with nearly 700 staff positions to go at NDIA Federal budget 2026 LIVE updates: Australia government budget announcement and speech – latest news Explore all of our 2026 Australia federal budget coverage Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The government expects to recoup $36.2bn by curbing the national disability insurance scheme’s growth over the next four years as it looks to return to the NDIS’s “original purpose” of supporting people with “significant and permanent disability”. The treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said the budget’s savings package amounted to genuine economic reform, beyond the “usual nips and tucks”. Continue reading...