A major overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme should be delayed until at least mid-2028 to ensure vulnerable Australians don't slip through the cracks, advocacy groups say.
As the government prepares to introduce sweeping eligibility changes to the $56 billion program, autism advocates say it's not clear how long it will take to build state-run supports for people who will be kicked off.
"The systems aren't ready. If the systems aren't ready for reform, then there should be no transition," Australian Autism Alliance co-chair Jenny Karavolos told AAP.
"People will be without support. People will leave their jobs. Carers who are supporting people will need to take a bigger load... there's increased mental health costs, increased family stress, increased future support needs."
