Noah's Ark Submission Regarding National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill 2026

Introduction

Noah’s Ark welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee’s Inquiry regarding the proposed legislative changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We are optimistic regarding the impact of Thriving Kids on the early years landscape for children with developmental concerns, delays or disabilities and their families and agree that reform of the NDIS is necessary. Noah’s Ark is a specialist provider for children aged from birth to twelve years and their families, with expertise in best practice in ECI, inclusion, practice-based coaching, the Key Worker role, Routines-Based Early Intervention (RBEI), Child Agency, and Attachment-Focused ECI. As such, our contribution to this consultation process will focus on just four of the proposed changes and only as they apply to children:

1. Access/eligibility for the NDIS
2. Reasonable and necessary supports
3. Registration of high risk supports, and
4. Criteria for unscheduled plan reassessments

Noah’s Ark recommends the following: 

1. Access decisions for infants and young children should include consideration of diagnosis and significant known risks instead of waiting until a significant functional deficit is evidenced. 
2. The concept of what is reasonable and necessary be viewed through the context of the child’s level of support needs, and the disability and socio-economic stressors being experienced by the families.
3. That NDIS services for children be considered high-risk and require delivery by registered services.
4. The dynamic nature of child development and family circumstances be considered in decision-making regarding plan reviews and the timeliness of these.

Read the full submission.