“Confusion and distrust”: The disability community on the NDIS overhaul
Apr 24, 2026 •
The government says the NDIS has drifted too far from its original purpose, has grown too fast and too loosely, and that it now needs a major reset.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the changes, which will see eligibility tightened, participants reassessed and 160,000 people booted from the NDIS are about making the scheme sustainable and pulling it back to the people it was originally designed to support.
But for people with a disability, families and carers, the language has done little to calm anxiety – because this is just not a crackdown on fraud and dodgy providers. It's a change to who gets support, how that support is judged and what happens to people who no longer meet the new test.
Today, Australian Autism Alliance co-chair Jenny Karavolos on the government's NDIS overhaul and why it's causing so much apprehension across the community.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
“Confusion and distrust”: The disability community on the NDIS overhaul
1890 • Apr 24, 2026
“Confusion and distrust”: The disability community on the NDIS overhaul
The government says the NDIS has drifted too far from its original purpose, has grown too fast and too loosely, and that it now needs a major reset.
Health Minister Mark Butler says the changes, which will see eligibility tightened, participants reassessed and 160,000 people booted from the NDIS are about making the scheme sustainable and pulling it back to the people it was originally designed to support.
But for people with a disability, families and carers, the language has done little to calm anxiety – because this is just not a crackdown on fraud and dodgy providers. It's a change to who gets support, how that support is judged and what happens to people who no longer meet the new test.
Today, Australian Autism Alliance co-chair Jenny Karavolos on the government's NDIS overhaul and why it's causing so much apprehension across the community.
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.
Guest: Australian Autism Alliance Co-Chair Jenny Karavolos
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7am is a daily show from Solstice Media.
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