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AAP
AAP
Politics
Noah Secomb

'Blood on your hands': senators slam disability reform

The federal government is seeking to pass laws to rein in the growth of the $56 billion NDIS. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

Proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme have been scrutinised across the parliament as the reforms edge closer to getting over the line.

The federal government wants to pass laws to rein in the growth of the $56 billion program, which would boot more than 100,000 participants off the scheme.

Recommendations released on Friday from a Labor-led inquiry into the NDIS reforms urged the immediate passage of the proposed changes despite significant backlash from disability advocates.

Greens Senator Jordon Steele-John
Jordon Steele-John says people with a disability are being targeted to fill budget holes. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Greens disability spokesman Jordon Steele-John made a desperate plea for senators to abandon the reforms on Monday after months of evidence against them.

"What is wrong with you people? This is so out of line of Australian values," he said in the Senate.

Senator Steele-John accused the government of targeting people with a disability to fill budget holes as he attempted to suspend proceedings.

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the bill needed to be dealt with straight away.

"There has been an extensive Senate inquiry and significant consultation ... those consultations will continue as the reforms to the NDIS roll through," Senator Gallagher said.

Senator Steele-John continued to tear into his Senate colleagues as the debate formally began.

Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher
Katy Gallagher says there has been "significant consultation" and the bill needs to be dealt with. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

"Shame on you. You betray not only this community, but the national character. You will be condemned by history," he said.

"The blood and the lives of those who will suffer and die will be on your hands, and will live in your consciences forever."

The coalition has voiced broad support for the reform but flagged the need for further clarification around assessment processes and improving the integrity of the system.

Liberal frontbencher Anne Ruston said she was not convinced the community and state disability ministers had been properly consulted.

"The success of these reforms relies heavily on the co-design of measures and their careful implementation," she said.

"Ensuring people remain safe from abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation is not negotiable."

Liberal senator Kerrynne Liddle has raised concerns about the cuts to economic and social inclusion services outlined in the legislation.

"The minister says this category has tripled in five years, but neither he nor the department has produced evidence explaining that growth or justifying the cut of this size," Senator Liddle said.

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