Autism Association Australia is cautiously optimistic that changes confirmed to the NDIS budget tonight will be the thing that makes it sustainable into the future.
CEO Nicole Rogerson, said work is now urgently needed to provide support for people coming off the NDIS, and for the organisations assisting in the transition.
"Autism Association Australia plays a critical role in supporting children and families navigating the challenges of autism. While we appreciate the Budget's broader commitments, we did not receive the funding we were seeking, which is disappointing," Ms Rogerson said.
Autism Association Australia is often the first point of contact for families trying to understand the NDIS services available and the changes which are occurring.
In its prebudget submission, it asked for $1.5 million per annum over three years to establish and deliver National Parent Support During Reform.
Despite not receiving the requested funding, Ms Rogerson reiterated her recognition that the NDIS requires reform.
"Most Australians would agree that the scheme must be sustainable, well-governed, and focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for people with disability, and we remain committed to working with government to support an orderly transition that is in the best interest of families who are coping with autism," she said.
"However, governments must ensure that short-term savings do not create far greater long-term costs for individuals, families, and the broader community.
"The Government will need to provide detail soon before people will stop looking at the changes as a sustainability measure, and start looking at them as a savings one.
"The evidence is clear that there is a financial as well as a moral reason to ensure that gaps are filled as the system changes.
"Early intervention is not simply an expense, but a long-term investment that can significantly reduce support needed later in life, improving education, employment, and independence outcomes," she said.
"If reforms are poorly implemented, families will pay the price for decades to come, and ultimately so too will the governments they rely upon.
"In particular, we are concerned by the lack of detail about how states and territories will absorb increasing responsibility for early intervention and developmental supports.
"In principle, stronger coordination between the Commonwealth and the states makes sense. In practice, however, families are already struggling to access timely assessments, therapy, and support through mainstream systems.
"Schools, health services, and community providers are under enormous pressure, and if the Federal Government reduces its role before state systems are properly funded and prepared, a generation of children risk falling through the cracks.
"Responsibility cannot simply be shifted without ensuring the workforce, capacity, and funding are in place.
"This budget period presents an opportunity to reset the NDIS carefully and responsibly.
"Autism organisations, disability advocates, and community providers must be part of that process to ensure reforms are practical, evidence‑based, and do not leave people with autism behind."
