Queensland's disability minister has launched a scathing attack on the Albanese government's comprehensive overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Amanda Camm, the state's minister for families, seniors and disability services, has accused the federal Labor administration of permitting fraudsters to exploit the system while implementing changes that will abandon those who genuinely require assistance.
Federal Government 'Walking Away' From Responsibility
'The federal government is walking away from its responsibility to people with a disability,' Minister Camm declared emphatically. 'The same government that created the NDIS is now introducing legislation without proper consultation with states, territories or peak bodies, and it will fundamentally alter the lives of almost 160,000 Australians living with disability.'
Controversial Measures Unveiled
The new measures, revealed on Wednesday by NDIS and Health Minister Mark Butler, aim to control the scheme's rapid expansion by potentially removing as many as 160,000 participants. The plan involves diverting numerous children and individuals with milder disabilities away from the federally funded program into state or mainstream services.
Minister Camm expressed particular concern about the practical impact on Queensland families with autistic children. 'If your child currently receives one‑on‑one occupational therapy, speech therapy or similar supports, you can say goodbye to them,' she warned. 'Those services will disappear under these cuts and changes.'
Accusations of Mismanagement and Fraud
The Queensland minister also leveled serious accusations of Commonwealth mismanagement and failure to address persistent rorting within the scheme. 'The Albanese government has allowed fraudsters, criminals and rorters to take over a system that was designed to protect our most vulnerable people,' she stated bluntly.
These comments follow Camm's earlier characterization of the NDIS as a 'runaway train' on Wednesday. She elaborated: 'Minister Mark Butler stood up in the National Press Club and outlined the runaway train of which the NDIS has become and, in doing so, simultaneously decoupled the carriages and sent them the states' way.'
Financial Pressures and Contentious Changes
The Commonwealth aims to dramatically reduce annual NDIS spending growth from 10.3 percent to just 2 percent. One of the most controversial elements involves restructuring early intervention supports, including the 'thriving kids' program for children with autism, which would transfer both funding and administrative responsibilities to state governments.
Queensland Government's Response
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli's LNP government has labeled the move a cost-shifting exercise and accused the Albanese government of retreating from its obligations. State Treasurer David Janetzki placed responsibility for the NDIS's financial difficulties squarely on Canberra. 'The federal government's budget matters to Queensland, and the Albanese government must find solutions to the problems it has created,' Janetzki asserted. 'This NDIS cost shift to the states reflects a failing federal program, and it remains the federal government's responsibility.'
Acknowledgment of Previous Failures
Minister Butler conceded that previous attempts to control costs had proven insufficient and warned that drastic measures were now essential to secure the NDIS's long-term viability. Under the proposed changes, higher-functioning participants with milder conditions, including some individuals with autism and mental health issues, would be transitioned to state or mainstream services.
Criticism From Queensland Health Minister
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls argued that the federal plan fails to address the fundamental challenges confronting the NDIS. 'The announcements made yesterday by the Albanese Labor government will not even scratch the surface of the challenges faced in Queensland, let alone across the nation,' he contended.
National Cabinet Discussions
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with state and territory leaders, including Premier Crisafulli, at National Cabinet on Thursday. Queensland is understood to remain firmly opposed to the proposed changes, creating significant tension between the state and federal governments over the future direction of disability support in Australia.
