Australia's NDIS inquiry told 240,000 people to be 'exited' from scheme

Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is set to undergo significant changes, with a Senate inquiry being told that an estimated 240,000 existing participants will be "exited" from the scheme. Furthermore, an additional 110,000 individuals who would have qualified for NDIS support over the next five years will be directed to alternative services.

These figures were revealed during the final hearing of the Senate inquiry into the government's proposed reforms to the NDIS. The health, disability, and ageing department projected these numbers, indicating a substantial shift in how disability support will be accessed.

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What concerns me most though is Labor are using their numbers on this committee that's looking at the legislation to play politics with the witness list.

Meanwhile, in separate political discussions, Deputy Liberal Leader Jane Hume accused the Labor party of politicizing the witness list for a Senate inquiry into the federal budget. The budget inquiry is set to examine changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. Hume expressed concern that Labor was using its committee majority to stifle dissenting voices, questioning why opposition to the tax changes was not being heard.

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What is it that Labor are afraid of if these taxes are so good for Australia, why not hear voices of dissent?

Health Minister Mark Butler defended the inquiry process, stating that the witness list was still being finalized and assuring that public hearings would be thorough and comprehensive, similar to other inquiries he has been involved in.

In another development, Defence Minister Richard Marles's visit to the United Kingdom faced disruption due to the unexpected resignation of his British counterpart, John Healey, just hours before a scheduled joint media event. Marles and Healey were due to tour a naval base critical to the AUKUS defense partnership and hold a capabilities demonstration.

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There will be public hearings, the witness list is still being finalised and if it's anything like the inquiry I have more direct involvement in ... it's going to be a thorough, comprehensive inquiry just like this one has been.