Bryn is 16 and has never eaten a meal. His mother’s terrified the newly-cut NDIS won’t ‘step up to keep him alive’
Guardian AU
•Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:31:39 GMT
📰 What Happened
Bryn Skyes is a 16-year-old who has never eaten food, having been tube-fed since infancy because of his disability and gastrointestinal problems. Most of his costs have been covered by the Queensland children's hospital, but as he transitions out of paediatric care his mother, Shelley McRae, fears changes to the NDIS will leave her to find an extra $50,000 a year to keep him alive. Parliament passed a bill on Wednesday to curtail the scheme, giving the health and NDIS minister power to reduce funding categories for individuals by up to 99%.
🔍 The Backstory
The NDIS is Australia's national disability insurance scheme, a major budget item the government argues needs reining in. Sweeping changes condemned by disability advocates mean some scheme participants' funding could be cut dramatically, even as the scheme's costs continue to balloon.
🎯 Why It Matters
The case illustrates the human impact of NDIS funding reform on families with profound support needs. It frames the political debate over whether the cuts deliver long-term sustainability or leave the most vulnerable Australians without essential care.
Bryn Skyes is a 16-year-old who has never eaten food, having been tube-fed since infancy because of his disability and gastrointestinal problems. Most of his costs have been covered by the Queensland children's hospital, but as he transitions out of paediatric care his mother, Shelley McRae, fears changes to the NDIS will leave her to find an extra $50,000 a year to keep him alive. Parliament passed a bill on Wednesday to curtail the scheme, giving the health and NDIS minister power to reduce funding categories for individuals by up to 99%.
The NDIS is Australia's national disability insurance scheme, a major budget item the government argues needs reining in. Sweeping changes condemned by disability advocates mean some scheme participants' funding could be cut dramatically, even as the scheme's costs continue to balloon.
The case illustrates the human impact of NDIS funding reform on families with profound support needs. It frames the political debate over whether the cuts deliver long-term sustainability or leave the most vulnerable Australians without essential care.