South Australia is "disproportionately vulnerable" to federal changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, according to a new Deloitte Access Economics report. It estimates state NDIS spending could be $1.3 billion lower in 2030 than under the previous growth rate. The South Australian and federal governments have committed $230.3 million to Thriving Kids over five years. The state government has said there are "no plans" to increase its contribution.
A South Australian mother has failed to overturn a ban preventing her from working with children and people with disabilities. The Department of Human Services issued the prohibition notice in December 2025, after her children were removed from her care. The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal upheld the decision, finding she posed an unacceptable risk to children and a risk of harm to people with disability. The tribunal said concerns about neglect had been raised over many years, from 2004 to 2020.
Shane Danes, a 64-year-old Goondiwindi man with brain and spinal cord injuries, has had his National Disability Insurance Scheme funding reduced twice since October 2025. His support provider, Michelle Doughty, said a morning gap in his care left him vomiting on April 21, and she feared he could have died without her there. His 90-year-old parents now provide two hours of support each evening, and his sister Tracy Sullivan says the family cannot keep this up. The National Disability Insurance Agency said participant safety is its priority.
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Six Victorian locations will begin the Thriving Kids program in January 2027. Four are in Melbourne's north and west: Hume, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Melton. The other two are Bendigo and Loddon. The program offers time-limited allied health support for children under nine with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. NDIS access for these children stays unchanged until 1 January 2028. Advocates say the eligibility threshold is unclear, and the assessment process is still being designed.
Eight remote communities in Far North Queensland are now getting expanded NDIS support. The communities include Aurukun, Ayton, Coen, Cooktown, Degarra, Kowanyama, Shiptons Flat and Wujal Wujal. The Remote Community Connector program helps people with disabilities apply for support and connect with local services. Most face-to-face services are delivered by Aboriginal community controlled organisations. NDIA chief executive Graeme Head said the changes follow feedback from First Nations communities that support needs to be local, trusted and easier to access.
Economist Chris Joye has warned that Australia is heading towards a recession, with falling property prices, rising business failures and persistent inflation. Speaking on Mark Bouris's Straight Talk podcast, he forecast a 17 per cent fall in Sydney property prices and a 13 per cent fall nationally. He said the national decline could exceed previous records before Christmas. Joye also argued that government spending, migration and weak productivity are keeping inflation high. He proposed cutting the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the public service, and he said the Reserve Bank should have raised rates further.
The director of a Sydney NDIS provider has been charged over an alleged $1.89 million fraud involving taxpayer-funded disability services. Police allege the 36-year-old submitted fraudulent invoices for services never provided between March 2020 and January 2024. He was arrested at a police station on Thursday. He faces 12 counts of dishonestly obtaining a gain from a Commonwealth entity and one count of intentionally dealing with proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more. Authorities have also sought restraining orders over 38 properties and 16 vehicles worth more than $40 million.
Two men have been charged with defrauding the government of $3.3 million. One man allegedly impersonated Services Australia staff to make fraudulent Medicare claims worth $1.5 million. He was arrested in Emu Plains and charged with influencing and impersonating a Commonwealth public official. A second man was charged with obtaining a gain from a Commonwealth entity and dealing with the proceeds of crime worth $1 million or more. Police allege he submitted fraudulent invoices totalling $1.89 million to the National Disability Insurance Agency.
Families of autistic children have been referred to child protection services after complaining about cuts to their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports, an agency claims. The South West Autism Network has documented over 20 cases of surprise visits from authorities following NDIS assessments. The NDIS agency denies the practice, stating referrals only occur when there are child safety concerns. The government plans to move tens of thousands of people with autism off the NDIS by 2030 to ease budgetary pressures.
The Australian Government is seeking public input on proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) reforms, with submissions due by 14 October. Key areas under review include eligibility criteria, individual budget planning, framework adjustments, and a new support coordination service. The consultation targets people with disabilities, families, carers, advocates, health professionals, and support workers. Detailed guidelines and submission processes are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.
