Media Release
Spinal Life Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s continued focus on strengthening the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), following NDIS Minister Mark Butler’s address at the National Press Club of Australia yesterday, outlining proposed improvements to the Scheme’s sustainability, pricing arrangements, and provider regulation.
However, the organisation says meaningful reform must go further to deliver real outcomes for people with disability.
CEO of Spinal Life Australia, Mark Townend, says while the direction of reform is encouraging, there are several critical areas that must be addressed to ensure the Scheme delivers on its promise.
“We welcome the focus on strengthening the NDIS and improving how the Scheme operates, ensuring it meets the needs of all people with disability while improving financial sustainability, both now and into the future,” says Mr Townend.
“Reform must translate into tangible improvements for participants. We need to see these changes deliver real, practical outcomes on the ground.
“To deliver meaningful reform, there must be a stronger and more consistent approach to provider regulation. All providers operating within the Scheme should meet mandatory minimum standards and compliance requirements to ensure quality and safety for participants.
“We also need to see improved efficiency within the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The current administrative burden on participants is significant, and even modest improvements to processes and systems could unlock substantial savings that can be reinvested into frontline supports.
“Reducing unnecessary legal disputes should be a priority. Around $100 million is spent each year on legal costs associated with participants being forced through review processes – funding that could be far better directed toward participant care and support.
“For people living with significant, permanent disability, the system must be built on trust. Disability does not disappear with age, impairments actually increase, and participants should not be subjected to ongoing, unnecessary reassessments that create stress and uncertainty.
“It’s also critical that high-quality, mission-driven providers are recognised and supported for the essential role they play in delivering care and services across the community. The NDIS delivers an estimated $2.25 return to the economy for every dollar invested, highlighting the broader value of getting these settings right.
“There must also be a stronger focus on ensuring NDIS funding benefits Australians. With some private equity-backed providers directing millions of profits offshore, taxpayer funding is not always being reinvested into local communities. The Government should consider options to ensure more of this funding remains within Australia to support participants and the broader economy.
“Spinal Life Australia will continue to work closely with Government to share our on-the-ground insights and ensure reforms strengthen the Scheme without disadvantaging the people it is designed to support,” concludes Mr Townend.
Spinal Life Australia looks forward to continuing to engage with Government and the broader sector to ensure reforms deliver meaningful, lasting outcomes for people with disability across Australia.