Passage of NDIS Bill relies on unpaid carers filling the gap
Carers Australia
Key Facts:Australia's unpaid carers will be dismayed by the passing of the NDIS Bill
Unpaid carers will face some tough decisions about being able to work while also caring
Carers Australia will continue to advocate for the impacts of this Bill on carers to be assessed
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Australia’s unpaid carers will be dismayed today following the passage of the Bill to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will shift cost and responsibilities onto them, says Carers Australia CEO Joanna Cave.
Ms Cave says the NDIS Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 relies heavily on Australia’s unpaid carers filling the gap by taking on additional care responsibilities as supports are stripped away.
“The Government has refused to guarantee NDIS supports won’t be removed until other services are available, leaving carers to face some really tough decisions. Working carers may need to reduce their hours, and full-time carers are working through how they will cope without supports that help the person they care for maintain some independence.
“Carers tell us they are already at the end of their tether. Knowing the important supports the people they care for rely on will be reduced will only add to the strain, and risk accelerating carer burnout.
“While Carers Australia supports moves to ensure the sustainability of the NDIS, there are other levers the Government could use to achieve their financial aims that are not to the detriment of the people who rely on the scheme.
“There are changes that could make the NDIS market work better, slow cost growth, deliver better value for taxpayers and have less impact on people with disability and their carers. Provider overcharging is one example and a concern for many Australians. Evidence shows some NDIS providers set prices at or near price caps, contributing to cost blowouts,” she said.
Ms Cave said Carers Australia will continue to push for an impact assessment of the changes on people with disability and their carers.
“It is important that the impact of the changes on carers and those they care for are not lost as this legislation moves forward,” Ms Cave said.
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MEDIA INQUIRIES: Frith Rayner 0400 45 99 88 [email protected]
About us:
About Carers Australia and the National Carer Network
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s carers, advocating to influence policies and services at a national level. The National Carer Network, which consists of Carers NSW, Carers ACT, Carers Victoria, Carers Tasmania, Carers SA, Carers WA and Carers Queensland, deliver a range of essential carer services across states and territories.
Contact details:
Frith Rayner
0400 45 99 88