Mark Butler defends sweeping changes to the NDIS

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler defended sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on Radio National Breakfast, citing the program's financial unsustainability and widespread fraud as urgent reasons for reform. He acknowledged the emotional impact of the changes, particularly on participants like 16-year-old autistic non-speaker Patrick Saunders, who criticized the government for moving goalposts and failing to consult adequately. Butler emphasized his commitment to 'Nothing About Us Without Us' and pledged to co-design reforms with disability advocates, states, and territories, with major eligibility changes not expected before January 2028. He also addressed criticism from Queensland’s Health Minister Tim Nicholls over lack of consultation, noting that state funding responsibilities were already agreed upon in the National Cabinet Agreement. Separately, Butler justified recent changes to the private health insurance rebate for older Australians, calling the current system inequitable and arguing that funds should instead support aged care. He also explained the delayed rollout of co-payments for core care services, citing system complexity and responsiveness to community feedback.