The Australian Labor government is set to introduce stricter eligibility rules for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), particularly affecting children under 18, as part of efforts to manage the program's rising costs, which are expected to reach $63 billion by 2028-29. Health Minister Mark Butler announced these changes amidst backlash from Queensland officials, who argue that the federal government is abandoning families reliant on long-term care. The Queensland disability minister, Amanda Camm, expressed concerns that the changes would harm vulnerable children rather than support them. Currently, children aged 18 and under make up 52% of the NDIS's 717,000 participants but receive only 19% of the total funding, which amounts to $8.37 billion. The government aims to limit annual spending growth to between 5% and 6%, implementing mandatory character checks for service providers to prevent fraud, as organized crime has been infiltrating the scheme. The changes also include a transition plan for children and adults with disabilities to move away from NDIS services towards alternative support. The finance minister, Katy Gallagher, acknowledged the concerns of the disability community but emphasized the unsustainable nature of current spending.