NDIS reforms raise concerns for Disabled artists and arts workers

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 passed through the Senate last night, with significant implications for Disabled visual artists and arts workers, and for the carers and support workers in the visual arts community.

The Bill amends the NDIS Act 2013 with the stated aim of making the scheme more sustainable by curbing NDIS spending growth by $37.7 billion over four years. Much of this saving is expected to come from tightening eligibility from 2028 and reducing some forms of participant funding. Government modelling estimates more than 240,000 people would exit the NDIS over four years.

NAVA’s greatest concern is the cut to social and community participation funding. Many Disabled artists rely on NDIS supports to get to studios, attend and/or participate in exhibitions, communicate and collaborate, undertake training and workshops, manage projects and sustain a professional arts practice day-to-day. This access supports social connection, professional development and employment. Many artists and arts workers are also themselves carers, balancing their own arts practice with paid or unpaid caring responsibilities. These cuts risk increasing isolation and shifting more responsibility onto families, unpaid carers, peer networks and already stretched arts organisations. 

In its submission to the Senate Inquiry, NAVA warned that more rigid assessment and administrative processes, reduced flexibility and tighter restrictions on support arrangements could make it harder for Disabled artists to continue working and to access exhibitions, workshops, training and employment opportunities.

NAVA acknowledges the advocacy of Disabled people, carers and disability organisations that resulted in important amendments to the legislation, including additional protections for people with high support needs. However, significant concerns remain about what the reforms will mean in practice.

Consultation on the new NDIS planning and support rules opened today. The disability community has already given an enormous amount of time and expertise to successive NDIS reviews and reforms. NAVA recognises the exhaustion many people are feeling and that not everyone will have the capacity to engage in another consultation process.

At this difficult time, please know that support is near:

• Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or text the helpline on 0477 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or visit their comprehensive list of national helplines and websites
• Support Act Wellbeing Helpline for anyone who works in the creative industries 1800 959 500
• Dedicated Helpline for First Nations artists 1800 959 500 (Option 3) or 13YARN (First Nations Support): 13 92 76