General News
13 July, 2025
Nationals concerned about NDIS changes for regional NSW
The Nationals say the government's NDIS changes put services for remote and regional New South Wales at risk
Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, recently met in Dubbo with concerned NDIS providers to discuss changes to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26.
The roundtable discussion was hosted by Marathon Health and included providers and occupational therapists who had contacted Mr Chaffey directly with their concerns with NDIS changes brought in by the Albanese Government from July 1, 2025.
Of particular concern to participants of the roundtable were significant changes to transport allowance arrangements that had been announced at very short notice by the Albanese Labor Government.
“It was distressing to hear the catastrophic impact these changes could mean for people who rely on these services to help them in their everyday lives,” Mr Chaffey said.
“While these changes to the transport allowance might not have much impact in metropolitan areas, in regional, rural and remote areas it could be the difference between getting essential assistance in the home and travelling hundreds of miles to a service centre – or not getting care at all. We are talking about people with significant challenges trying to find access to a suitable vehicle and taking a round trip that includes fuel costs, potentially accommodation costs, and does not come up with solutions unique to their home or their situation.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as making sure a new wheelchair fits through the front door.
“The practitioners I met with in Dubbo told me it had already been death by 1000 cuts – and this was the 1000th-and-first cut that could mean the end for some services. These are people who are often working for a not-for-profit organisation that has managed to keep providing those services despite blow after blow through decisions made far from where the help is actually provided.”
Mr Chaffey said the changes were soon to be implemented by the Albanese Government despite no consultation with service providers about the impact and consequences of the decision.
“It’s a clear example of arrogance in decision-making affecting our most vulnerable people,” he said. “The Coalition has written to the Minister for Disability and the NDIS, the Hon Mark Butler MP, calling on the government to defer these changes for at least three months.
“This will allow for consultation and planning – that should have been undertaken before any of these changes were proposed – so service providers can not only have a say, but make arrangements that might ensure the ongoing provision of services.
“We can’t afford for these skilled, caring and experienced people to pack up and go because the organisation is no longer feasible. Then who will provide assistance to those people in remote areas who need it so badly?
“The Coalition will continue to monitor the impact of these changes and hold the Government to account for any detrimental outcomes to NDIS participants.”
