$2.8 billion cut from NDIS plans leaves caregivers torn between wages and safety
$2.8 billion in NDIS cuts forced caregivers to choose between wages and keeping clients safe.
Shane Danes, a 64-year-old man with complex care needs in rural Queensland, nearly died in April when his NDIS funding was cut. Michelle Doughty, his support provider, found him vomiting one morning and believes he would have died had she not come to work early.
The funding cuts meant Danes's elderly parents, both 90, had to care for him two hours each evening, leaving him alone for one hour each day. Disability advocates say his story is common: providers are picking up unpaid hours or charging the scheme less to keep their clients safe.
Caregivers and families say vulnerable Australians are being put at risk as the scheme tightens its budget.
- $2.8 billion
- NDIS cuts
- 64
- Shane's age
- both 90
- Parents' age
- 1 hour
- Daily alone time
Why it mattersMore than $2.8 billion was cut from NDIS participant plans between July 2024 and March 2026. Disability providers say similar stories are not unusual, with cuts forcing carers to choose between earning a living wage and keeping their clients safe.
AustraliaAustralian disability scheme participants are facing reduced support hours and funding cuts, forcing family carers and providers to fill dangerous gaps at their own cost.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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