Template Letter to Your Local Member of Parliament (Standard Print)
Template Letter to Your Local Member of Parliament (Large Print)
Dear Members,
The NDIS was created to ensure people with disability receive the supports they need to live independently and participate fully in their communities. That principle is now at risk.
The Australian Government has introduced legislation that would make significant changes to the way the NDIS operates. Blind Citizens Australia has been actively engaged throughout this process, lodging submissions to the government on 1 June and 10 July. We believe the Bill weakens the person-centred principles that have underpinned the Scheme since its inception.
At the heart of our concerns is the proposed repeal of Section 31 of the NDIS Act. This provision requires participant plans to be developed around each person’s individual circumstances, goals and support needs. It is one of the key legislative safeguards that gives practical effect to the NDIS’s person-centred approach.
Our concerns extend beyond changes to participant planning. The Bill would give the Minister greater control over what supports can be funded, weaken participants’ rights to challenge decisions and create uncertainty for people with permanent blindness or vision impairment who rely on lifelong supports to live independently.
These changes represent a significant departure from the core intent of the NDIS.
This is a critical moment where we must all take action to defend the integrity of the Scheme. By contacting your local MP and Senators, you can ensure they hear directly from the people who will be most affected by these changes before they vote on the Bill.
We’ve made it easy to take action. Attached are template letters that you can personalise and send to your local MP and Senators. You can find the contact details for your local MP and Senator on the Parliament of Australia website.
Every email shows Parliament that these reforms have real consequences for people who are blind or vision impaired, and for the broader disability community.
You can also read BCA’s full submission on our website to learn more about our position and the changes we’re calling for.
Thank you for standing with us and helping protect the principles at the heart of the NDIS.