State governments are increasingly concerned about proposed cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as Treasurer Jim Chalmers stated that these cuts will be the most significant aspect of the upcoming budget savings. In a speech scheduled for Wednesday at the National Press Club in Canberra, Health Minister Mark Butler will outline adjustments to the NDIS's growth rate, aiming to enhance its sustainability for Australians with disabilities. State officials have expressed worries about potential new costs and the breadth of the changes, especially after being caught off guard by previous announcements regarding foundational support programs for children with autism. Chalmers highlighted that the NDIS's rapid growth—over 10.3% last year, reaching $52 billion—is unsustainable, predicting costs could rise to $63 billion by 2028-29. He aims to reduce growth to between 5% and 6% annually while maintaining essential services. The federal government and states have agreed to a $4 billion investment in the Thriving Kids program, which is set to be split evenly in costs. Despite proposed reforms, Labor has committed to universal access to the NDIS, ruling out new means testing.