NDIS Insights with Dr George

For a better experience, please watch and subscribe on YouTube hereIn this episode of NDIS Insights with Dr George, formerly known as Reasonable & Necessary, powerful disability advocates unpack the NDIS Bill as our community is desperately struggling to understand what's at stake.Dr George speaks with:Megan Spindler-Smith Acting CEO of People with Disability AustraliaDr Stevie Lang Howson Organiser with Disabled People Against Cuts AustraliaSkye Kakoschke-Moore CEO of Children and Young People with Disability AustraliaTogether, they discuss what the proposed changes could mean for people with disability and our families, including tighter eligibility, cuts to social and community participation supports, new powers for the Minister, block funding, appeal rights, and the future of choice and control in the NDIS.The conversation also looks at what happens next, including the parliamentary inquiry process, how people can make submissions, and why the disability community needs to be heard before decisions are made that could reshape the NDIS for years to come.This is a serious and important discussion about the future of our NDIS, the promise of reasonable and necessary support, and the rights of people with disability to live safely, with dignity, inclusion and control over our own lives.Please subscribe, like, comment and share this episode with anyone who needs to understand what is at stake.

The NDIS is undergoing its biggest planning reform since the scheme began, with Support Needs Assessments set to transform how NDIS plan budgets are created but what will this really mean for people with disability and their families?In this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos sits down with Aaron Verlin, Acting Deputy CEO of the NDIA, and Professor Jason Thompson from the University of Melbourne to unpack the new planning approach.They break down how the Support Needs Assessment works, how the I-CAN tool is being adapted, who will conduct assessments, and what the rollout will look like.We also tackle the questions everyone’s asking:Will this lead to budget cuts?How long will assessments take?Will allied health reports still matter?What about people with complex needs?And what if the assessment gets it wrong?If you want a clear, practical explanation of what’s changing and why it matters, this episode is essential listening.Note: The podcast was recorded on 21 November 2025. It may not reflect all recent discussion on the topic.

In this must-watch episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos is joined by two of Australia’s top disability rights lawyers—Dr Darren O’Donovan (La Trobe University) and Sian Thomas (Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion)—to unpack what the recent changes to the NDIS. What are funding periods and when can you ask for longer ones? What’s the problem with NDIS support lists—and how can they be fixed? What are your rights when decisions don’t reflect your individual needs? From rent (for in-home support) to air conditioners to stovetops, we explore real-life examples of how rigid rules are creating barriers—and what you can do about it. Whether you're an NDIS participant, advocate, family member, or provider, this episode will give you the tools to understand your rights and challenge unfair decisions.

Why are tens of thousands of Australians with disability still being placed in group homes under the NDIS and what can be done about it? In this episode, Dr George Taleporos is joined by Jess Walker and Anna Burke from the Summer Foundation to unpack their new report, Moving Out, Moving On, which calls for urgent reform of housing and living supports under the NDIS. We explore the hidden cost of group homes, the benefits of Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs), and hear from Bar and Matt, two people who are living proof that a better way is possible.

In this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George Taleporos interviews Minister for the NDIS and Social Services, Amanda Rishworth. They examine Support Needs Assessments, including the rollout timeline. The Minister addresses concerns about funding reductions and outlines the government's commitment to fairness and transparency. The discussion also covers foundational supports, the in and out lists and the importance of individualised living arrangements. With a federal election approaching, the Minister outlines the government's priorities for the NDIS if re-elected. This episode provides valuable insights for NDIS participants, families, providers, and advocates seeking to stay informed about the future of disability support in Australia.

On this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George is joined by Rebecca Falkingham, CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency. In this exclusive interview, they talk through the changes to the NDIS Act that come into effect today and explain what these changes mean for participants. Check it out!

On this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George meets Sam Paior from The Growing Space and Chris Coombes from DSC. They discuss the Government's attempt to redefine what the NDIS will pay for. They examine the draft lists of NDIS supports and consider what should and should not be included. They also discuss some of the unintended consequences of narrowing the definition of an NDIS support.

On this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George meets with disability rights advocate El Gibbs and disability law expert Mitchell Skipsey to discuss the NDIS Bill, the recent amendments and what is needed to ensure that the NDIS Bill meets the needs of NDIS participants. The guests highlight the importance of constraints on the NDIA's information gathering powers and the need for strengthening avenues for appeals. They also highlight the importance of considering the whole person in determining support packages. They explain what happens next and express hope that the Senate committee will recommend further amendments to address the concerns of the disability community.

On this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George meets with disability law experts Mitchell Skipsey, and Dr Darren O'Donovan to understand the changes to the NDIS Act. They explore the reasons for the changes, and how these changes may impact on NDIS participants. The conversation highlights the importance of involving people with disabilities in the decision-making process and ensuring that the changes lead to positive outcomes for participants. The experts emphasise the need for stronger protections to ensure participant choice and control are upheld. They suggest some amendments to the Act and encourage listeners to engage in the Senate inquiry and make submissions to express their views and concerns.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into the NDIS Review we explore assessments, navigators and psychosocial supports and talk about what happens next. What happens when you bring together Australia's leading disability advocates and academics to dive deep into the recommendations by the NDIS Review? To find out check out this episode of Reasonable & Necessary for an in-depth, no holds barred examination of the most controversial NDIS Review recommendations.

On this episode of Reasonable & Necessary, Dr George brings together Australia's leading disability advocates to unpack the NDIS Review. Dr George, along with El Gibbs, Nick Avery, Jarrod Sandell-Hay and Sam Paior will guide you through all the big changes that are proposed, and what they might mean for you.

On this episode of Reasonable and Necessary, Professor Bruce Bonyhady and Lisa Paul give their final interview and reveal major changes that will be recommended in the NDIS Review final report. This is a must see episode for anyone interested in the NDIS.