Labor to tighten child NDIS eligibility to curb spending as Queensland MP warns change is ‘failing kids’

Health minister faces backlash from states as he announces major changes to scheme ahead of May budget

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National disability insurance scheme service providers will be required to undergo mandatory character checks and eligibility rules will be tightened further for children under 18, as Labor moves to curb growth in the $50bn program.

But the health minister, Mark Butler, faces a backlash from state counterparts as he announces major changes on Wednesday, with Queensland accusing federal Labor of walking away from responsibilities to families dependent on long-term care.