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Weekly intelligence signals: The argument has shifted from the size of the NDIS cuts to who is likely to be removed. Autistic participants, people with developmental delay and younger people are at the centre of the contraction rather than incidental consequences of reform.

Of the projected 241,000 participant exits by June 2031, 144,600 are expected to have autism or developmental delay as their primary disability and 154,240 aged 18 or younger.

Why this matters: The reform promise is that the NDIS will concentrate support on those with significant and permanent disability, but many with undeniably high support needs are already fighting funding decisions. Providers are absorbing costs and promised supports are not yet in place.

The political dynamic is, however, clear. The savings are booked and the fiscal case for reform has become inseparable from assumptions about historically low NDIS expenditure growth.

Data Watch: Occupational Therapy Australia separately says more than 7,000 participants lost access to occupational therapy supports last year as providers found NDIS work unsustainable.

NDIA updates guidance for participant information-access requests

Participants, applicants, and authorised parties can now request current or previous plan information, access and reassessment records, and copies of evidence previously supplied to the NDIA; the Agency says these will be processed within 28 business days.

Source: National Disability Insurance Scheme

Government publishes dementia-risk letter for Australians turning 50

The Australian Government has published the letter sent to people who turned 50 in the year to 30 June 2026, outlining steps that may reduce their risk of dementia.

Source: Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Greens say NDIS cuts will remove essential support from autistic people and children

The Greens have called for the government to withdraw the NDIS Bill, citing estimates that 241,000 people will leave the Scheme by June 2031, including almost 145,000 autistic people and 154,000 children.

Source: Australian Greens | Mehreen Faruqi and Jordon Steele-John

Blind Citizens Australia warns reforms will weaken person-centred planning

Blind Citizens Australia is urging Parliament to reject the NDIS Bill, arguing reduced review rights would shift decisions away from individual circumstances, goals and support needs.

Source: Blind Citizens Australia

Occupational Therapy Australia expands NDIS Bill and Thriving Kids advocacy

Occupational Therapy Australia has lodged supplementary recommendations to the Senate inquiry, covering qualified assessors, pricing transparency, and launched a NSW petition seeking allied-health involvement in the design and delivery of Thriving Kids.

Source: Occupational Therapy Australia

PWDA publishes participant guide to proposed NDIS reforms

People with Disability Australia sets out the proposed timetable for functional capacity assessments and new planning arrangements, while stressing the Bill has not passed and important consultations remain.

Source: People with Disability Australia

COTA Victoria calls for life-course approach in new disability plans

COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria say Victoria’s next Disability and Autism Plans should address disability across the full life course, particularly as NDIS reforms increase pressure on state programs and mainstream services.

Source: COTA Victoria

Kuremara publishes five-step guide for new NDIS applicants

The provider’s participant-facing guide explains eligibility and choosing providers, with links back to official NDIA information.

Source: Kuremara

Almost 145,000 Australians will lose support for autism under NDIS reforms

Internal government estimates show 241,000 participants leaving the NDIS by 2031, with 144,600 having autism or developmental delay as their primary disability and almost two-thirds of those affected aged 18 or younger. This article was materially updated today.

Source: Guardian Australia | Paywall: No

Return to surplus relies on NDIS reforms delivering historically low spending growth

Health Services Daily says fiscal pressure remains the government’s principal reason for advancing its controversial NDIS reforms, linking the projected return to surplus with unusually low future Scheme expenditure growth.

Source: Health Services Daily | Paywall: Yes

Australia's disability budget – a plea for recalibration

In a strongly worded commentary, Justin Glyn contrasts proposed NDIS savings with other government spending and warns the Bill would weaken individual funding, review rights, and parliamentary control.

Source: Pearls and Irritations | Paywall: No

Mount Isa disability providers face new NDIS code, $15 billion reform

Disability service providers in Mount Isa are preparing for controversial new NDIS registration requirements forming part of the federal government’s broader $15 billion Scheme reform program.

Source: North West Star | Hard Paywall: Yes