Australia overhauls NDIS eligibility

Health and NDIS Minister Mark Butler has unveiled sweeping changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme aimed at curbing its ballooning costs.

The overhaul includes a new eligibility test and significant budget cuts that are expected to affect over 160,000 participants, particularly those with autism.

Butler argued that the scheme's current growth rate is unsustainable and must be reined in to protect its future for the most vulnerable.

Advocacy groups have expressed concern, labeling the timing of these cuts as 'troublesome' for families relying on existing supports.