Aspect’s response to National Press Club address from The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Ageing Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) recognises that ongoing discussions and changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are causing significant concern, stress and uncertainty for many people with disability, their families and carers.
The NDIS has changed the lives of many Australians, including many Autistic people, and Aspect wants to see the scheme remain sustainable so it can continue to support the people who rely on it.
As a registered NDIS provider, Aspect supports strong governance, transparency and accountability across the sector.
In particular, measures that increase provider registration are important in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants, and that people are receiving supports from appropriately qualified and accountable providers.
At the same time, reforms must be carefully implemented to avoid unintended impacts on people with disabilities.
Any changes to participant plans and funding must ensure people continue to have access to the right supports, at the right time and at the right level. This is critical to maintaining choice and control, safety as well as quality of life.
Aspect also notes the proposed introduction of a standardised Functional Capacity Assessment. While we support functional capacity being used to inform funding decisions, we are concerned that a standardised approach may not accurately capture the diverse and complex needs of Autistic people, and risks creating inequitable outcomes.
We also welcome further clarity on how the Government will support individuals who may not meet the threshold for the NDIS, to ensure no one is left without appropriate support.
We urge the Government to ensure reforms are guided by evidence, consultation with people with disabilities, their families and carers, and a clear focus on participant outcomes.
Aspect looks forward to further detail on how any proposed Inclusive Communities Fund will be implemented by States and Territories.
For enquiries:
Karen Keech karen@establishedpr.com.au 0411 052 408
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. Celebrating 60 years in 2026, we are a not-for-profit organisation working in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
