
09/08/2024
đ¨ BREAKING NEWSđ¨
Disability sector mobilises to secure the future for a better and fairer NDIS
Organisations representing disability service providers, NDIS and allied health providers have joined together to launch a national campaign to secure the future of services for people with disability and create a better NDIS.
The organisations are launching a joint campaign website 4abetterNDIS.com.au where people concerned about the future of disability services can take action, have their say and send a letter to the federal government asking for a commitment to addressing the current crisis in funding for disability services.
Providers of quality disability services are already reaching breaking point. Recent surveys by National Disability Services and Disability Intermediaries Australia found that 75 per cent of providers are considering stopping some or all of their disability services because of the price limits that came in on 1 July.
âWe need the Government to drastically improve management of the NDIS, and act urgently to deliver fair, transparent and sustainable pricingâ, said Mr Jess Harper, Chief Executive Officer of Disability Intermediaries Australia.
âThe NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme Pricing decision is simply indefensible. Keeping price limits fixed for half a decade despite inflation, award wage increases, and operating cost pressures is irresponsible and reckless. This pricing decision has already resulted in the closures of safe, quality, and skilled service providers with more to come,â Mr Harper said.
The website will be supported by activity across social media as organisations spread the word about the impact of the market failure that is taking place in the NDIS.
âWe know that closure of services will most affect participants with high and complex support needs â because it is more costly to deliver those services. These are the very people that the NDIS was set up to support,â said Emily Forest, Interim CEO of National Disability Services.
Karenza Louis-Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Ermha365 and CEO Collab spokesperson said "High-intensity supports help NDIS participants with challenging behaviours manage their needs, avoid crises, and live fulfilling lives. Taking these supports away suddenly, without any warning, puts their safety and well-being at risk"
Allied Health Professions Australia CEO Bronwyn Morris-Donovan said âAfter five years of not even so much as indexation of NDIS therapy support and orthotic/prosthetic service pricing against inflation, our sector has reached breaking point.â
Now is the time to speak up and be heard. Without action, disability service providers will be forced to continue reconsidering their professional futures and service provision under the NDIS, with devastating impact on the people with disabilities who rely on them.
https://www.4aBetterNDIS.com.au
Bill Shorten Kurt Fearnley Michael Sukkar MP - Member for Deakin Senator Jordon Steele-John