Minister Stands by NDIS Cuts, Says Program Expanded Beyond Original Intent

‘The scope of the scheme has expanded well beyond the original intent, and it is riddled with poor practice and fraud and rorts,’ said Mark Butler.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler addresses the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Feb. 9, 2026. Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images

A day after unveiling major changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Health Minister Mark Butler has defended the reforms, warning the program is under ongoing financial strain.

“We’ve not been able to get spending growth under control. The scope of the scheme has expanded well beyond the original intent, and it is riddled with poor practice and fraud and rorts that I think the community, including participants themselves, are increasingly impatient about us cleaning up,” he told ABC Radio on April 23.