The federal government's controversial changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme have passed the Senate. (ABC News: Patrick Stone)
The federal government will pass its controversial National Disability Insurance Scheme reforms with the support of the Coalition, after they sailed through the Senate.
Labor tabled 63 amendments, aimed at cracking down on fraud and making the scheme more sustainable.
The legislation will return to the lower house, where it is expected to pass with Labor's majority.
The federal government will pass reforms that it says will save the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) "from itself" by making it more sustainable and cracking down further on fraud.
The Coalition voted with Labor to pass the sweeping changes in the Senate this evening, which are intended to curb the structural bloat of a scheme that costs more than $50 billion annually.
The overhaul is expected to save an estimated $37.8 billion over the next four years alone.
Health Minister Mark Butler argued the scheme had become a "soft target for shonks, for fraudsters and for sharp practice".
Mr Butler said the 63 amendments, following engagement with the disability community, reflect a "government that is willing to listen".
The key takeaways from the six-day Senate inquiry into a proposed NDIS shake-up.
"We said when we announced this plan in April that we would engage deeply with the disability community but also with other parliamentarians," he told reporters this afternoon.
NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister said the changes would "deliver a NDIS that is strong, safe and sustainable and has a strong social licence".
The changes include establishing an escalation pathway for high-risk participants.
Ms McAllister said it would ensure an individual requiring 24-hour continuous care could apply for a plan variation to have their needs met, protecting them from support cuts.
Jenny McAllister says the changes will deliver a more sustainable NDIS. (Matt Roberts/ABC News)
