In Australia, discussions about the cost of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) often focus on spending on activities like walks, movies, or haircuts. At first glance, these examples can seem superfluous. However, if you are only looking at the price tag you are missing an important point: disabled people deserve to be a part of their community.
Loneliness and isolation are common among disabled people. They feel lonely at much higher rates than the general population. In Australia, nearly one-third of disabled people report feeling lonely, with even higher rates among those with severe or profound disabilities.
These numbers reflect more than just emotions; they highlight societal barriers that limit social interaction. Issues like transportation, inaccessibility, and poverty can make it hard to enjoy activities. Over time, these barriers can lead to deep and lasting isolation.
Many of the activities that spark public criticism—like going for a walk, visiting a café, or going to a movie—are not funded for fun. They are funded because a support worker is needed. For some people, leaving the house safely, navigating public spaces, or communicating with others only happens with assistance. These supports allow people to join their communities, build and maintain social relationships, reduce isolation, and enjoy everyday interactions that others may take for granted. The value of these activities comes not from the activities themselves but from the human connections they enable.
Social interaction is closely tied to mental and physical health. Chronic loneliness can make depression, anxiety, and overall well-being worse. For people with disabilities, who already face higher health risks, prolonged isolation can increase existing challenges and create a cycle that is hard to break. Supporting socialization is not just a luxury.
Families and caregivers also feel the effects of disability support systems. When assistance is not funded, family members often take on the role of primary caregivers. They must juggle work, personal responsibilities, and care needs. This situation can lead to burnout, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. Access to support workers helps ease the burden, enabling families to maintain balance and caregiving roles without sacrificing their own well-being.
Public discussions about disability spending can have unintended emotional impacts. When the media portrays certain services or support as wasteful or trivial, those who depend on these services may feel misunderstood, judged, or undervalued. For someone whose independence relies on these supports, the fear of losing them can cause significant stress and uncertainty. How we talk about disability funding influences not just policy, but also society’s views on disability, inclusion, and the right to participate in everyday life.
The debate about the NDIS should certainly include conversations about responsible spending and accountability. However, it must also acknowledge the benefits of social interaction and inclusion. For most people, going to the park, meeting friends, or getting a haircut are normal daily activities. A disabled person who is participating in these same activities might require structured support, and that is okay.
Sources:
Kinsella, Luke. “NDIS Spends $12b on Support for Walks, Movies, Haircuts.” Australian Financial Review, 15 Mar. 2026.
Siliezar, Juan. “Higher Rates of Loneliness Persist Among Working-Age Adults with Disabilities, Study Finds.” Brown University School of Public Health, Brown University School of Public Health, 21 Aug. 2025. https://sph.brown.edu/news/2025-08-21/disabled-adults-loneliness.