NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has secured bipartisan support from Australian premiers and the Coalition for significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a $42 billion program.

This agreement marks a crucial step in addressing the rising costs associated with the NDIS, which is projected to reach over $50 billion annually by 2025-2026 without intervention.

Shorten emphasized that these reforms are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the NDIS, which is facing significant budget pressures.

Without reform, the NDIS was projected to cost $100 billion within a decade, prompting the need for immediate legislative changes.

The new legislation introduces an 'in-and-out' list that specifies what qualifies as NDIS supports, replacing the current diagnosis list with a new assessment process for participants.

The final laws include nearly 100 amendments, requiring participants to undergo new assessments for funding and introducing stricter eligibility requirements.

Key measures in the Bill aim to control costs by halting automatic increases to participant budgets and limiting eligible items and services for NDIS funding.

The reforms are expected to save the government $14.4 billion over the next four years, with a target annual growth rate of 8% starting in 2026.

Despite securing support, the bill still requires approval from the lower house, with ongoing negotiations among opposition and crossbenchers.

While the Albanese government views these changes as necessary, the disability community has expressed concerns about increased uncertainty for beneficiaries.

Legal experts have raised alarms about the scheme's debt-raising measures, drawing comparisons to the controversial robodebt program, which Shorten has dismissed.

Critics, including Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John, have condemned the Bill as a betrayal of the disability community, fearing it will limit access to essential supports.