The latest National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) quarterly report showed strong outcomes among those aged 15 to 24 in paid jobs and fewer hospital admission for participants over 25. The report also highlighted the need for reforms to improve fairness, consistency and flexibility of support to ensure the financial longevity of the scheme.
“Participants are at the centre of every discussion we are having on reforms,” NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds said, “but we also need to keep working to make the scheme the best it can be.”
The minister confirmed she is consulting with the sector, families and participants before considering legislative changes and the reforms being considered that would enable an improved and respectful participant experience, more closely resembling what was originally intended.
“Participants should have choice and control, rather than bureaucratic red tape and constant re-explanations. Individuals should also be able to spend their NDIS plan funds in a way that aligns with their needs, goals and aspirations,” the minister said.
The report also showed scale and cost per participant is now on a trajectory well ahead of what was anticipated by its original design. “As the new custodian of the scheme, it’s my job to ensure it endures for generations to come. I want to be clear that at a scheme level, the reforms are about sustainable growth. The NDIS has always been demand-driven and while the number of participants and the overall budget will continue to grow, we need to get the model right.”
More information on the latest NDIS Quarterly Report is available on the NDIS website.