NDIS-funded disability services set for an overhaul as government seeks to slow forecast growth
1 year, 10 months ago

NDIS-funded disability services set for an overhaul as government seeks to slow forecast growth

ABC  

Eligibility for services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme is set to be tightened in a bid to save more than $15 billion over the next four years alone. Key points: The government is banking $74.3 billion in savings from trimming the growth of the NDIS over the next decade NDIS Minister Bill Shorten says clamping down on unethical behaviour will help achieve that The Greens say Labor is "stabbing" the disability community in the back Tuesday's budget reveals a plan to significantly reduce growth of the NDIS between now and July 2026, when the government wants to impose an annual funding target of no more than 8 per cent increase. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said the scheme had become the "only lifeboat in the ocean" for people with a disability — comments that suggest he will use a renegotiation of the scheme's funding with states and territories to demand they step up their own services. Mr Shorten said he wanted to overhaul "traumatising" and "demoralising" aspects of the scheme that required people to prove they have a disability each year. "Whenever they mention NDIS and reigning in spending, there is a lot of fear for the community and the government needs to be really careful around the language they use," she said.

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History of this topic

This 20-month-old boy personifies the NDIS issue expected to dominate 2025
1 month, 3 weeks ago

This 20-month-old boy personifies the NDIS issue expected to dominate 2025

ABC  

He's 20 months old and loves stories, music and climbing. ", 'these children don't need to be here in the NDIS, they need to be over in that wonderful world of foundational supports', but before anyone had even designed what they look like." "Foundational supports could be a wonderful system we just need the time to think about what it …

New Budget blow to Rachel Reeves as disability charity says it may be forced to scrap key services
3 months, 1 week ago

New Budget blow to Rachel Reeves as disability charity says it may be forced to scrap key services

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A leading disability charity has warned it may be forced to …

NDIS providers struggling to remain viable amid funding issues as people with disability lose access to support and employment
3 months, 2 weeks ago

NDIS providers struggling to remain viable amid funding issues as people with disability lose access to support and employment

ABC  

For the past seven years, Peter Thorn has thrived under his National Disability Insurance Scheme plan. Peter Thorn's NDIS plan was cut significantly due to an "error", his father John said. "It's a real challenging situation when a decision is made, but there's no transition," Hartley Lifecare chief executive Eric Thauvette said. "The assumptions the NDIS have in the cost …

Bill Shorten responds to concerns around NDIS changes and defends handling of support list
5 months, 3 weeks ago

Bill Shorten responds to concerns around NDIS changes and defends handling of support list

ABC  

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten has rebuffed criticism that participants were given less than 48 hours' notice about crucial changes to items that can be funded by the scheme. Mr Shorten rejected that critique and said he had been talking about "straightening up the scheme" for the past two-and-a-half years. "We found that whilst the scheme is working …

From funding periods to a definition of 'NDIS support', here's what's changing in the scheme this week
5 months, 3 weeks ago

From funding periods to a definition of 'NDIS support', here's what's changing in the scheme this week

ABC  

Major changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme have finally been confirmed, less than two days before taking effect. Other changes recommended by the NDIS review are still in the pipeline, including "foundational supports" — services for those outside the scheme, delivered through the likes of schools and health services. NDIA chair Kurt Fearnley acknowledges the legislation has caused "hurt" …

Major NDIS changes start rolling out in a few weeks — but many participants still feel in the dark
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Major NDIS changes start rolling out in a few weeks — but many participants still feel in the dark

ABC  

Bean bags and fidget tools are more than just toys for Felicity Hearnden's two autistic children. "What we need is for the agency to be really clear about what's happening, about what those changes mean for individuals and where can get support," Ms Kakoschke-Moore said. "That can include making sure we have information about changes made available in Easy English, …

The government has resolved a major NDIS deadlock, but there's far more water to flow under the bridge
7 months ago

The government has resolved a major NDIS deadlock, but there's far more water to flow under the bridge

ABC  

Change can be difficult for anyone, of any age. The government might've found a way to get its political adversaries off its back, but it's unlikely the disability community will be as easy to convince. “We want to work whichever government of the day to make the best legislation we can to improve the NDIS — but this is not …

States and territories to back major NDIS reforms as Senate vote looms
7 months ago

States and territories to back major NDIS reforms as Senate vote looms

ABC  

The states and territories have agreed to support the federal government's overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, putting an end to months of tension. "Critically, this agreement secures the support of the states and territories for the government's legislation and reform agenda, and will help ensure the scheme is here for the future," Mr Shorten said. The states and …

NDIS minister eases concerns that participants would have to pay for mandatory assessments
7 months ago

NDIS minister eases concerns that participants would have to pay for mandatory assessments

ABC  

The Albanese government has moved to soothe concerns over its National Disability Insurance Scheme, following questions from senators over whether the proposed reforms would force participants and their families to double up on diagnosis costs. Labor senator Tim Ayres told the Senate last week the government had not yet determined how it would fund planned "needs assessments for NDIS participants, …

With a blueprint for change on the table, what will the government do with NDIS provider registration?
7 months, 2 weeks ago

With a blueprint for change on the table, what will the government do with NDIS provider registration?

ABC  

Nick Avery has always loved the slow pace of living in regional Western Australia. "When the NDIS review recommendation came out for mandatory provider registration, that was really quite a frightening period of time for people in regional WA — we just do not have the volume of registered providers available." Source: NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce Report Specific …

State premiers remain opposed to NDIS reforms that 'risk creating service gaps'
8 months ago

State premiers remain opposed to NDIS reforms that 'risk creating service gaps'

ABC  

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has penned a letter on behalf of state premiers and chief ministers to oppose the federal government's planned reforms to save billions from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The states had already expressed deep doubt over the reforms, which they claimed "risk creating service gaps for people with disability" if what the NDIS could offer …

Disability organisations 'on life support' say budget cuts will force them to wind back services
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Disability organisations 'on life support' say budget cuts will force them to wind back services

ABC  

In short: Disability groups say a drop in funding threatens their work. The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations says some of the groups it represents are on "life support" with their funding cut to $143,000 per organisation each year, which staff say is not enough to continue advocacy and education work. "Since coming to government we have doubled funding to …

Bill Shorten looks to reassure disabled Australians over NDIS overhaul
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Bill Shorten looks to reassure disabled Australians over NDIS overhaul

ABC  

In short: NDIS Minister Bill Shorten says changes to the scheme must occur to keep it going. Professor Bonyhady told a Senate inquiry into the NDIS reform legislation last month "the status quo is not an option". "We need to give the disability community our academics, experts and advocates the opportunity to properly and thoroughly analyse the amendments brought forward …

Disability groups urge government to tread carefully with NDIS changes as minister gets in a tangle with the senators over Brazil trip
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Disability groups urge government to tread carefully with NDIS changes as minister gets in a tangle with the senators over Brazil trip

ABC  

In short: Disability advocates are concerned the government's changes to the NDIS will put marginalised people at risk. Disability advocates and groups are urging the federal government to listen to criticisms of its legislation changing the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and make further amendments to its "NDIS back on track" bill. Detour via Brazil NDIS Minister Bill Shorten lashed out …

Federal government firms up commitment to co-designing the NDIS with disability community
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Federal government firms up commitment to co-designing the NDIS with disability community

ABC  

In short: The government says it is committed to co-designing changes to the NDIS with the disability community. The federal government is committing to work further with the disability community to design changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. How criminals are rorting NDIS participants for drug trafficking Photo shows Man takes cash from ATM Criminals have been manipulating participants …

Why the states and territories are clashing with the federal government over the NDIS
10 months ago

Why the states and territories are clashing with the federal government over the NDIS

ABC  

As two days of parliamentary hearings kick off into draft legislation paving the way for changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, a governmental stoush has re-emerged. Among other things, it amends the NDIS Act to: provide clarity about what constitutes an "NDIS support"; that is, what services can be funded under an NDIS plan create a "new planning framework" …

From NDIS cost revisions to a new employment program, here's what's in the 2024 federal budget for disability
10 months, 1 week ago

From NDIS cost revisions to a new employment program, here's what's in the 2024 federal budget for disability

ABC  

Between significant revisions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and new employment initiatives, disability was a key part of this year's federal budget. "The NDIS is an essential public service for people with disability and families, providing life changing and lifesaving supports every day," she says. It made 26 recommendations and detailed close to 140 "actions", including: Hinging access the …

As new legislation looms, here's the latest on the future of the NDIS
11 months, 3 weeks ago

As new legislation looms, here's the latest on the future of the NDIS

ABC  

In short: The federal government has introduced legislation paving the way for sweeping NDIS reforms recommended by a review. The NDIS Act does not currently have one and the ABC understands a concrete definition could help prevent people from spending their plan budgets on things they aren't supposed to.. The NDIS Act does not currently have one and the ABC …

New NDIS taskforce to investigate providers overcharging disability participants
1 year ago

New NDIS taskforce to investigate providers overcharging disability participants

ABC  

In short: Providers suspected of overcharging NDIS participants will face a new consumer watchdog taskforce. Providers suspected of overcharging NDIS participants will face a new consumer watchdog taskforce. The federal government has launched a crack down on illegal overcharging, led by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which will be able to investigate providers who impose an "NDIS 'wedding tax'" …

The NDIS review says 'the moment has come' for change. Here's what to expect
1 year, 3 months ago

The NDIS review says 'the moment has come' for change. Here's what to expect

ABC  

The latest review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme has had many participants and their families on edge. The review's final report, made public on Thursday, has made 26 recommendations and detailed close to 140 "actions" it says need to happen to transform the NDIS over the next five years. "Governments have come to rely on the NDIS as the …

NDIS recipients face homelessness after being told to move out of homes if they don't want to share
1 year, 4 months ago

NDIS recipients face homelessness after being told to move out of homes if they don't want to share

ABC  

People with disabilities are being forced to share homes or risk becoming homeless. "Providers should ensure any purchased supports align with a participant's approved NDIS plan," an NDIA spokesperson said. The three-bedroom home where Ms Tobin has been living has a maximum "per participant" price of $42,000 per year, but NDISP had been claiming her full $90,000 annual NDIS housing …

Four Corners investigation sparks disability advocates' calls for better NDIS regulation
1 year, 5 months ago

Four Corners investigation sparks disability advocates' calls for better NDIS regulation

ABC  

Quick Read: In short: Disability advocates have described practices used against intellectually disabled children at an NDIS-funded provider as "sickening" Disability advocates have described practices used against intellectually disabled children at an NDIS-funded provider as "sickening" What's next? There are calls to ramp up regulation to ensure similar methods are not being used by other disability service providers Disability advocates …

The NDIS review has participants and people with disability on edge. These are the areas it's most concerned about
1 year, 8 months ago

The NDIS review has participants and people with disability on edge. These are the areas it's most concerned about

ABC  

Over its first decade, the National Disability Insurance Scheme has improved hundreds of thousands of lives across Australia. Key points: A long-running review of the NDIS has handed down an interim report, identifying five key areas of concern The authors are calling for feedback from the Australian public, especially people with disability The review will make its final report in …

How do we fix the NDIS? Share your story in our crowdsourced investigation
1 year, 8 months ago

How do we fix the NDIS? Share your story in our crowdsourced investigation

ABC  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people with permanent and profound disability. People with disability have told us stories of overcharging and having to navigate excessive red tape to access support. Tell us about your NDIS experience We're launching an investigation and asking you — the participants, family, workers and providers — …

Disability advocates in shock over Labor announcement of NDIS 'growth target'
1 year, 10 months ago

Disability advocates in shock over Labor announcement of NDIS 'growth target'

ABC  

Disability advocates have reacted furiously to the government's move to rein in spending on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, after it unveiled a plan that could save the budget $50 billion over the next decade. Key points: It is unclear at the moment how the money will improve the efficiency of the NDIS A annual growth target of 8pc by …

NDIS 'reboot' will include more staff, cost crackdown, longer-term plans and shonky services purge, Shorten says
1 year, 11 months ago

NDIS 'reboot' will include more staff, cost crackdown, longer-term plans and shonky services purge, Shorten says

ABC  

Disability Services Minister Bill Shorten says the government's central agency for supporting Australians with a disability has "lost its way" and needs significant work to ensure it can survive into the future. Key points: The NDIS minister has promised a reboot of the government's key disability agency, which he says has gone off track Bill Shorten promised more staff, longer-term …

Helping migrants living with a disability now a large part of the Migrant Resource Centre's work
2 years ago

Helping migrants living with a disability now a large part of the Migrant Resource Centre's work

ABC  

Roshan Desumbuk-AY loves gardening and selling his produce to his local community. Key points: Launceston's Migrant Resource Centre North has expanded to include disability support services Nationally, the NDIA is developing a new plan to help more people from diverse backgrounds access the scheme The Disability Royal Commission last year heard many migrants had trouble navigating the scheme due to …

Youths with disabilities face reluctant employers, NDIS complications in uphill battle to find work
2 years, 2 months ago

Youths with disabilities face reluctant employers, NDIS complications in uphill battle to find work

ABC  

Launceston brothers Harry and Tommy Colgrave are eager to join the workforce but are facing numerous barriers in their path to securing a job. Key points: Data shows young people with a disability are three times more likely than people over 25 to be unemployed Emma Bennison from Life Without Barriers says employers are often reluctant to give people with …

NDIS providers facing 'increasing amounts of losses', industry body warns as Anglicare Tasmania steps back
2 years, 2 months ago

NDIS providers facing 'increasing amounts of losses', industry body warns as Anglicare Tasmania steps back

ABC  

A peak industry body fears that National Disability Insurance Scheme service providers are facing increasingly bleak financial outlooks, with not-for-profit organisations appearing to be at greatest risk. Key points: Anglicare Tasmania's decision to exit NDIS services highlights the pressure on not-for-profits in the sector NDIS providers' financial viability has been increasingly at risk in recent years There are hopes a …

NDIS minister Bill Shorten reads the riot act to rorters, vowing to track down 'shonky' providers
2 years, 4 months ago

NDIS minister Bill Shorten reads the riot act to rorters, vowing to track down 'shonky' providers

ABC  

The minister in charge of the NDIS has vowed to track down "shonky" disability providers, telling them to "get off my scheme". Key points: Bill Shorten says some providers were making themselves "NDIS millionaires" off the backs of taxpayers It's been estimated that 15 to 20 cent of NDIS expenditure is rorted Dylan Alcott says those abusing the scheme can …

Government brings forward planned NDIS review, urges bigger focus on disability scheme's benefits
2 years, 5 months ago

Government brings forward planned NDIS review, urges bigger focus on disability scheme's benefits

ABC  

A planned review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme is being brought forward to this year, with the federal government promising to work alongside people with disability after a significant breakdown of trust in recent years. Key points: The government has fast-tracked its review of the NDIS It expects the scheme over will cost $8.8 billion more over the next …

Bill Shorten issues NDIS fraud crackdown warning as woman jailed, another charged
2 years, 6 months ago

Bill Shorten issues NDIS fraud crackdown warning as woman jailed, another charged

ABC  

Fraudsters taking advantage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme are being warned of a fresh crackdown after one Queensland woman was jailed and another charged over alleged fraud offences. Key points: A 47-year-old has been charged for allegedly defrauding the NDIS of more than $300,000 A woman from the Bundaberg region has been jailed for two and half years over …

Concern millions of Australians with disability not on the NDIS have been 'forgotten'
2 years, 10 months ago

Concern millions of Australians with disability not on the NDIS have been 'forgotten'

ABC  

Lisa Giles is "angry as hell" after being rejected twice for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. "No one is talking about the 85 per cent of people with disabilities who aren't on the NDIS and many of those people are struggling to get the services and supports they need to live ordinary lives," Professor Kavanagh said. The 'forgotten' Professor Kavanagh …

NDIS participants like Alicia stuck in hospitals waiting for homes as specialist housing sits vacant, advocacy groups say
2 years, 10 months ago

NDIS participants like Alicia stuck in hospitals waiting for homes as specialist housing sits vacant, advocacy groups say

ABC  

Alicia Appleby is 38 years old but she's been living in a geriatric ward in a Melbourne hospital for more than 260 days. Key points: Ms Appleby wants to live in her own home but is in a dispute with the NDIS over her plan More than 1,000 NDIS participants are estimated to be stuck in hospitals waiting for plans …

Disability support worker mother slams NDIS as provider reports substantial funding cuts
2 years, 10 months ago

Disability support worker mother slams NDIS as provider reports substantial funding cuts

ABC  

A Bendigo mother has slammed the NDIS and says the system to review plans is not allowing people living with a disability to have the continuity they need. Key points: The mother of a 19-year-old recipient says his behaviour has worsened due to NDIS-related delays A Central Victorian support organisation says all of its clients needing 24/7 care have had …

Government agency accused of being 'at war with those it should be supporting' as appeals against NDIS cuts spike
2 years, 10 months ago

Government agency accused of being 'at war with those it should be supporting' as appeals against NDIS cuts spike

ABC  

Kaden McCarthy, 10, lives with autism and has difficulty using and interpreting verbal and non-verbal communication. Families in crisis after NDIS funding cuts to participants Photo shows Karen McKenzie sits on the arm of a sofa and feeds her son Jarrod, who has an electric keyboard on his lap Hundreds of people with autism and intellectual disabilities have lost NDIS …

Scott Morrison's use of 'blessed' thrust NDIS back into spotlight, raising questions neither side is prepared to answer
2 years, 10 months ago

Scott Morrison's use of 'blessed' thrust NDIS back into spotlight, raising questions neither side is prepared to answer

ABC  

A political scuffle over the Prime Minister's clumsy use of the word "blessed" has thrust the National Disability Insurance Scheme back into the spotlight and triggered important questions about its sustainability. Mr Charlton — who worked as an economic advisor to Kevin Rudd — labelled the NDIS budget a "shambles" and traced the problem back to the scheme's design. Labor …

Labor to review the NDIS if elected, as advocates warn scheme is facing a 'critical moment'
2 years, 11 months ago

Labor to review the NDIS if elected, as advocates warn scheme is facing a 'critical moment'

ABC  

Life changed significantly for Penny Lalor after she had a stroke in 2020. Key points: Labor is pledging a sweeping review of the NDIS if it wins the election The Coalition says another review would add uncertainty into the scheme It comes amid concerns around reported cuts to plans and long-term sustainability The former disability worker, who lives in Sydney’s …

NT NDIS participants, disability service providers flag concerns about funding cuts
3 years, 5 months ago

NT NDIS participants, disability service providers flag concerns about funding cuts

ABC  

Catherine Fielke describes trying to get funding for her five-year-old son through the National Disability Insurance Scheme as "a constant battle". Key points: Mitchell Fielke's new NDIS plan has a third of the funding of the previous plan NT disability service providers have flagged concerns over plans being cut "significantly" without consultation The NDIA says it is committed to delivering …

NDIS Minister says independent assessments model is 'dead', in win for disability advocates
3 years, 8 months ago

NDIS Minister says independent assessments model is 'dead', in win for disability advocates

ABC  

State and territory disability ministers have shot down controversial reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, in what advocates say is a huge win for the disability community. Key points: The federal government will not push forward with its plan to roll out independent assessments Disability advocates have campaigned against the changes for months Linda Reynolds says disability ministers will …

NDIS users call for overhaul of 'traumatic' process amid reviews
3 years, 8 months ago

NDIS users call for overhaul of 'traumatic' process amid reviews

ABC  

Toni Mitchell's 21-year-old son, Joshy, lives with Down syndrome, autism, hearing and vision impairments and organ failures, as well as early onset dementia. Key points: NDIS users want an overhaul of the scheme to include better training for staff and more flexible criteria The NDIA says funding packages have increased by an average of 12.5 per cent each year for …

NDIS provider accused of compromising safety of people with disability in quest for growth
3 years, 9 months ago

NDIS provider accused of compromising safety of people with disability in quest for growth

ABC  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been a cash splash for big players in the sector, and few have benefited quite like the Australian Foundation for Disability – otherwise known as Afford. Key points: Founded in 1951 to help polio victims, Afford has grown rapidly in recent years, fuelled by NDIS funding Clients and their families have accused the organisation …

Why a fully funded NDIS is good for everyone
3 years, 9 months ago

Why a fully funded NDIS is good for everyone

ABC  

Data released as part of the Australia Talks National Survey shows most Australians, 82 per cent in fact, think we should spend as much as is necessary to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else. And the hard truth is that the NDIS alone was never going to deliver a life of equal opportunities for people …

Short-statured community seeks better NDIS support to live independently
3 years, 10 months ago

Short-statured community seeks better NDIS support to live independently

ABC  

There are many things in life people take for granted, such as having automatic doors open in front of you, going to a public toilet or even driving a car. Key points: The short-statured community calls for better NDIS recognition Sydney woman Sarah Keenahan cannot modify her car without funding, but the NDIA says she's not eligible The NDIA denies …

NDIS to cost more than $30 billion by 2024-25, federal budget to predict
3 years, 10 months ago

NDIS to cost more than $30 billion by 2024-25, federal budget to predict

ABC  

Disability spending through the NDIS is expected to overtake the cost of Medicare within three years, according to budget estimates that will fuel debate about the scheme's sustainability. Key points: The number of people who are supported by the NDIS is expected to grow to 530,000 within a few years The average payment per participant increased by almost 48 per …

Former NDIS chairman slams changes to support scheme as 'robo-planning' and 'a disgrace'
3 years, 11 months ago

Former NDIS chairman slams changes to support scheme as 'robo-planning' and 'a disgrace'

ABC  

Former chairman of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bruce Bonyhady has labelled changes to the support scheme a "disgrace" that should be abandoned immediately before they cause more needless distress. Key points: The federal government wants to change the way people are assessed for the NDIS At a parliamentary inquiry, former NDIS chairman Bruce Bonyhady said the changes will "fundamentally …

Disability organisations rally against proposal to introduce independent assessments
4 years ago

Disability organisations rally against proposal to introduce independent assessments

ABC  

More than 20 disability organisations have called on the federal government to abandon a plan which they say will force people to explain their support needs to a stranger in less than three hours, or risk losing their NDIS funding. Key points: Disability organisations say a proposal to introduce independent assessments is about "box-ticking" and cost cutting NDIS funding plans …

People with disability fought long and hard for NDIS funding, now many fear it is about to change
4 years, 3 months ago

People with disability fought long and hard for NDIS funding, now many fear it is about to change

ABC  

Sue Grier has always worried about what might happen to her autistic son when she dies, but her concerns have grown due to proposed changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. "For many, many years, William has had very little funding and the NDIS arrived and he's now been able to achieve some great things in his life," Ms Grier …

Disability advocates welcome NDIS reforms to increase number of scheme participants
4 years, 6 months ago

Disability advocates welcome NDIS reforms to increase number of scheme participants

ABC  

Advocates are welcoming substantial changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme which they believe will make the system quicker and easier to navigate. Key points: The new reforms follow an independent review of the NDIS last year Advocates say enacting the review's recommendations will make the scheme easier to access 100,000 new participants have signed up to the NDIS in …

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