The Australian Government has announced changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler outlined these changes at a National Press Club address in April 2026. Many people with cerebral palsy, their families and advocates have raised concerns about what this could mean for funding and future supports.
This page explains what was announced, what it may mean for people with cerebral palsy, and what you can do now.
Why is the Government changing the NDIS?
The Minister said the NDIS is now supporting many more people than first planned and is growing faster than Government budgets can manage.
He said changes are needed so the NDIS can keep going long‑term and continue to support people with significant and lifelong disability.
The Minister said the goal is to:
- Make the NDIS fairer
- Stop fraud and misuse
- Focus funding on people with the highest and lifelong support needs
What changes were announced?
The Minister outlined several major changes, including:
- Stricter eligibility rules for new people applying to the NDIS
- A move away from using diagnosis alone to decide eligibility
- More checks on how NDIS money is spent
- Fewer unplanned reviews of NDIS plans
- More services outside the NDIS (sometimes called “foundational supports”) for people with lower support needs
These changes will be introduced through new laws starting with the Federal Budget in May 2026.
What does this mean for people with cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability
Cerebral palsy is a permanent, lifelong condition.
Many people with CP need ongoing support across their whole lives.
The Minister said the NDIS will continue to focus on people with significant and permanent disability.
This means people with higher support needs from cerebral palsy are still expected to be a core part of the NDIS.
Will people with CP lose their NDIS funding?
The Government has not said that people with cerebral palsy will automatically lose access to the NDIS.
However:
- Some people across the NDIS will be reassessed over time
- Future eligibility will look more at how much support a person needs, not just their diagnosis
For people with CP who:
- Need daily support
- Use assistive technology
- Need help with mobility, communication, personal care or participation
these supports are exactly what the NDIS was designed for.
Will funding amounts change?
The Minister said average NDIS plan sizes will reduce over time as part of controlling costs.
This does not automatically mean individual supports will be removed.
Plans are still meant to:
- Be based on reasonable and necessary support
- Reflect a person’s functional needs and goals
People with CP should continue to:
- Keep records of how supports help them
- Prepare carefully for plan reviews
- Get support if decisions seem unfair
What about people who don’t qualify for the NDIS?
The Government said it will invest more in supports outside the NDIS for people who do not meet the new eligibility rules.
These supports are still being designed and will involve:
- States and territories
- Community‑based services
- Early intervention and participation supports.
Details about how these supports will work are not final yet.
What happens next?
- New NDIS laws are expected to go to Parliament in May 2026
- Changes will not happen all at once
- Current participants will be reviewed gradually as plans renew
Cerebral Palsy Australia will:
- Monitor the changes closely
- Advocate strongly for people with cerebral palsy
- Share clear updates as more detail becomes available.
What can you do now?
While details about the NDIS changes are still being worked out, there are steps you can take now to feel more prepared and confident.
1. Get ready for your next plan review
Make sure your NDIS plan clearly shows:
- How cerebral palsy affects you every day
- What supports help you live, work, learn and take part in your community
- What would happen if those supports were reduced or stopped
Keeping good notes can help you explain why your supports are reasonable and necessary.
2. Review and update your NDIS goals
Clear goals are important. Your goals help planners understand what matters to you and why supports are needed.
If you are an adult with cerebral palsy, this guide may help:
It includes examples of goals linked to:
- Independence
- Health and wellbeing
- Work or study
- Community participation
3. Ask for support before reviews or reassessments
You do not have to do this alone.
You can:
- Talk to a support coordinator, advocate or trusted service provider
- Ask someone to attend planning meetings with you
- Get advice if a decision does not feel right or fair
4. Keep records and evidence
It can help to keep:
- Reports from therapists or doctors
- Letters that explain why supports are needed
- Notes about how your supports help you day‑to‑day
These can be useful if your plan is reviewed or changed in the future.
5. Stay informed – but don’t panic
The Government has said changes will happen gradually, not all at once.
Cerebral Palsy Australia will:
- Track the reforms closely
- Share plain‑language updates
- Advocate for people with cerebral palsy at every stage
We will update cpaustralia.com.au and MyCPGuide.org.au as soon as more information is confirmed.
