The proposed overhaul of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a $55 billion-a-year program, faces significant opposition from Coalition senators, placing the government’s plans to pass the reforms in doubt. The legislation, aimed at improving financial sustainability and integrity, is currently under scrutiny by a parliamentary committee dominated by Labor members, with recommendations expected this week.

Coalition senators have reportedly compiled extensive concerns regarding the bill, criticizing a lack of detailed modelling and transparency on key savings measures projected to save the scheme $185 billion over the next decade. They warn that the government is using financial sustainability as a pretext to introduce broad changes with insufficient consultation. The opposition is particularly alarmed by proposed cuts to community and social participation supports—services including transport, sports lessons, and other activities—which NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced in April would be reduced by roughly 50 percent from their current $12 billion annual expenditure.

Butler has defended these measures by noting the rapid growth in spending on such supports, which increased from $4 billion five years ago and could rise to around $20 billion by the end of the decade if left unchecked. He described the expansion as unsustainable and the reforms necessary to curb growth to below 2 percent in the near term before stabilizing.

Despite shared concerns over the scheme’s sustainability and integrity, the Coalition warns that such drastic cuts pose serious risks to the safety and wellbeing of disabled Australians. More than 4,000 submissions to the inquiry reportedly voiced fears that reducing these supports could lead to harm and increased mortality among participants. Coalition senators have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to explain the sharp rise in costs and question the evidence supporting the planned reductions. They also criticize the bill for granting the NDIS minister expansive new powers with limited parliamentary oversight.

Opposition NDIS spokesperson Melissa McIntosh, who called for the inquiry, accused the government of missing an opportunity to address genuine problems such as fraud and corruption, which are expected to account for only two percent of the projected savings. She also criticized the legislation for lacking specifics on eligibility criteria and functional capacity assessments and for proceeding without adequate consultation with the disability community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the concerns raised in the committee process and assured that the government would respond appropriately to the feedback. He emphasized that no participants would be left unsupported, affirming the commitment to maintain “appropriate supports” and addressing the Senate with due respect.

The opposition’s demand for more detailed information and reconsideration of key measures threatens to stall Labor’s efforts to pass the reforms during the upcoming sitting period, casting uncertainty over the future direction of the NDIS.