Internal estimates obtained under freedom of information laws show almost 145,000 Australians on the NDIS for autism support are expected to be removed by 2030, with many of them under 18.
Key facts
- Internal estimates show 144,600 people will be removed from the NDIS by 2030.
- Many of those affected are aged under 18.
- From 2028, almost two-thirds of the 241,000 participants set to lose access will be 18 or under.
- The federal government is narrowing the $52bn scheme toward those with significant and complex needs.
- The documents were released to Guardian Australia under freedom of information laws.
Almost 145,000 Australians receiving autism support through the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS) are expected to be removed from the scheme by the end of the decade, according to internal government estimates reported by Guardian Australia.
The health department documents, released under freedom of information laws, show that 144,600 people are projected to be taken off the scheme by 2030. Many of those affected are aged under 18, according to the reporting.
The estimates come as the federal government moves ahead with plans to narrow the focus of what it describes as a “diluted” $52bn scheme, redirecting support toward those with significant and complex needs.
From 2028, almost two-thirds of the 241,000 participants set to lose access to the NDIS will be aged 18 or under, the documents show.
The changes represent a significant shift in who the disability insurance scheme is designed to support, with children making up a large share of those expected to lose access under the reforms.
Why it matters
The NDIS is a major pillar of Australia's disability support system, and changes to eligibility affect tens of thousands of families. With children making up a large share of those set to lose access, the reforms raise questions about what support will be available to young people with autism.