Proposed NDIS changes could leave people with terminal illness without support, says Palliative Care Australia
02 Jun 2026
In a submission to a Senate Committee inquiry, PCA said the draft legislation creates a serious risk for people whose care needs come from a terminal or progressive condition.
The organisation noted the Bill recognises that some Australians already face barriers to healthcare due to cost or location. However, it also states that the NDIS should not be used to fill gaps in the health system.
PCA National Policy Director Josh Fear said this could leave vulnerable people caught between two systems without adequate support.
He said people with life-limiting illness may be excluded from the NDIS while also struggling to access health services they need.
“That is not an adequate safeguard for people with complex and highly vulnerable care needs,” he said.
Mr Fear said the changes do not reflect the reality faced by many people with serious illness, especially in rural and remote areas where access to care is already limited.
He warned that people nearing end of life should not be forced to navigate gaps between systems while managing serious illness and distress.
PCA is calling on the Senate Committee and the Australian Government to ensure the legislation protects fair access to both healthcare and disability support for people with life-limiting conditions.
The submission also raises concerns that the proposed changes could exclude people undergoing treatment or those who cannot easily access care from entering the NDIS.
It warns the reforms may reduce the scheme’s ability to respond quickly to changing or rapidly declining health needs, particularly for people with terminal conditions.
PCA also raised concerns about proposed decision-making timeframes, including a suggested 90-day period for reassessing plans, saying this may be too slow for people with short life expectancy.
Other concerns include reduced flexibility in responding to changing needs, delays in early intervention, and further fragmentation between health, aged care and disability systems.
PCA is urging the committee to ensure that people under 65 with life-limiting conditions are prioritised in disability reforms, so they are not left without essential functional supports.
Categories
- MBS
- PBS
- The Department Of Health And Aged Care
- RACGP
- NIP
- AHPRA
- NSW Health
- Queensland Health
- Victoria Health
- Tasmania News
- Western Australia
- SA Health
- NT HEALTH
- Pharmacy Board Of Ahpra
- National Asthma Council
- NT
- AMA
- NACCHO
- BCNA
- Australian College Of Nurse Practitioners
- Asthma Australia
- LFA
- Palliative Care
- Primary Health Network
- AIHW
- Children's Health Queenland
- Kidney Health
- CHF
- MHC
- Gold Coast
- Tsa
- TGA
Popular Posts
Recent Posts
Tags
- Environmental health National Health and Climate Strategy environmental-health-national-health-and-climate-strategy