We, as a group of Victorian autism organisations, are deeply concerned about the Federal Government’s recent announcement led by Minister Butler and its likely impact on Autistic people who rely on the NDIS.

While action on fraud and poor practice is necessary, the scale and speed of these reforms are unsafe. The proposed timeline to downsize the NDIS relies on systems like Foundational Supports, Thriving Kids and the Inclusive Communities Fund that are not ready, two of which have already experienced delays and involve complex intergovernmental negotiations. We know from experience that designing and implementing evidenced-informed systems is a complex task, requiring time for pilots, evaluation and a phased roll out. We are not confident that time is on our side to do this responsibly and safely.

The current timeline creates a high risk that Autistic people and their families will be left without support during transitions between systems. Rushed reform without adequate trained workforce, infrastructure and safeguards might reduce the budget pressure of the NDIS, but it will create a public safety issue.

We are not opposing reform, but calling for realistic timelines to prevent avoidable harm, ensure safe implementation and allow for the resilience-building we will need to support in the Autistic community.

Today’s 10-year-old Autistic child with moderate needs and their carer did not design the NDIS, nor the reforms now being imposed. They were asked to enter a system that promised support and now without a clear plan, the Federal Government is balancing the books on their backs.

You cannot dismantle supports faster than you build alternatives. Autistic people deserve certainty, dignity and a system that does not leave them carrying the consequences of decisions they had no part in making.

We are calling for realistic timelines to prevent avoidable harm and ensure safe implementation.