An open letter
To every Senator of the Australian Parliament
From the Bloc: disabled people, our families, the workers who support us, and the businesses built to serve us.
Senators,
Point 1
There is a new law about the NDIS
The law will cut support for disabled people.
We do not want this law.
Point 2
We do not want a smaller version either
Some people say the law can be changed a little bit.
We say no. Cuts are still cuts.
Point 3
Australia is a very rich country
We are one of the richest countries in the world.
Other rich countries spend more on disability support than we do.
So we are not spending too much. The government should not cut here.
Point 4
We choose our own support
A long time ago, money went to services, not to people.
People waited years for a wheelchair.
People were showered when the service said so.
Some people were put to bed at 5 in the afternoon.
Many people had to live in group homes and could not choose.
The NDIS was made so we can choose. We will not go back.
Point 5
Support is a human right
Support is not a favour.
It helps us live our lives, like everyone else.
Point 6
The law was written too fast
It was written in about two weeks.
Disabled people did not get enough time to speak.
Point 7
The Agency wastes money
The NDIA spends a lot of money on lawyers and consultants.
Cut that money. Do not cut our support.
Point 8
Businesses were promised work
Small businesses were asked to build services.
Now the work is being taken away from them.
Point 9
The money is not saved. It just moves
If we lose support, we get sick.
Then people go to hospital, or to a home they did not choose.
That costs more money, not less.
Point 10
It is bad for everyone
Many people will lose their jobs.
Disabled people will have to pay for their own support.
Then we have less money to spend in the shops.
This hurts the whole country, not just us.
Point 11
Workers and carers will do more for less
Support workers may lose hours and pay.
Family carers, mostly women, will be left to fill the gap.
Point 12
Everyone who needs the NDIS should be on it
Some disabled people who need the NDIS cannot get on it.
They are told they do not fit the rules.
The scheme should be opened up, not closed down.
If you need it, you should get it.
Point 13
No disabled person misses out
Some disabled people have the NDIS.
Some disabled people do not have the NDIS.
Both groups need help. Both groups should get help.
You should get help if you need it.
It does not matter if you have the NDIS or not.
Everyone needs help sometimes.
Help can come from the NDIS, your doctor or hospital, your community, or other government services.
Point 14
We are asking every Senator to vote no
We are one bloc of voters.
Disabled people, carers, workers and businesses.
What we ask the Senate to do
Vote the bill down.
If it is not voted down, wait at least 8 weeks so people can have a say.
Show us the numbers behind the cuts.
Let the Senate say no to any new rules made later.
Open the NDIS to every disabled person who needs it. No disabled person should miss out — in the NDIS or out of it.
Vote no. Then sit down with us and do the work properly.