Autism Awareness Australia Welcomes Grattan Institute's Call for NDIS Rebalance Sydney, Monday 30 June 2025: Autism Awareness Australia has today welcomed the release of the Grattan Institute's report, Saving the NDIS, acknowledging the urgent need for systemic reform while underscoring the importance of protecting essential early interventions for autistic children.
Nicole Rogerson, CEO of Autism Awareness Australia, said: "This report is a timely and critical call for rebalancing a system that has become unsustainable. It's not about spending less, it's about spending smarter and ensuring that all Australians with disability receive the support they genuinely need, not just those fortunate enough to secure individual packages."
The Grattan Institute report highlights significant challenges facing the NDIS, including rapid growth and uneven distribution of resources. The Grattan Institute's call for foundational supports aligns with Autism Awareness Australia's longstanding advocacy for immediate and effective early intervention services.
"Early intervention isn't simply an 'NDIS problem'. It's about providing crucial, timely support that ensures lifelong positive outcomes for autistic individuals. We must commit to foundational supports immediately, rather than proposing them as future solutions," Ms Rogerson emphasised.
"Autism is a lifelong condition requiring tailored, responsive support structures," Ms Rogerson stated. "We cannot risk tightening eligibility criteria without first ensuring comprehensive and immediate foundational supports are in place to protect vulnerable families. You cannot pull up the NDIS drawbridge without building the road around it."
Autism Awareness Australia urges swift government action and collaboration with the disability sector to translate these recommendations into practical measures that safeguard the future well-being of autistic Australians. "This report provides the government with an opportunity for bold, brave action. I welcome comprehensive reform that delivers a fairer, more inclusive model for everyone" Ms Rogerson concluded.
