Image of National Disability Insurance Scheme
The NDIS study will examine issues including the sustainability of scheme costs; jurisdictional capacity (including the complementary disability services provided by the States and Territories); cost pressures (including wages); and changes in the agreed escalation parameters.
The review will also gather information to ascertain whether efficiencies have been achieved within the scheme; whether there has been any impact on mainstream services; and will examine the most appropriate levers to manage any potential cost overruns. More detailed information can be found online at NDIS costs study terms of reference.
Labor supports the review but their social services spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin, “calls on Malcolm Turnbull to give a guarantee to people with disability and their families that the NDIS won’t be cut, capped or delayed.”
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations has also welcomed the review and in particular, the Productivity Commission’s involvement, as “it keeps the review one step removed from those delivering the NDIS and those responsible for it,” said CEO Ross Joyce.
An Issues paper, to be released in February 2017, will cover a range of topics and concerns. You can register your interest in this study and be kept informed about the progress of the work by submitting an expression of interest form which is on the Product Commission’s website.
The Productivity Commission is also seeking information and feedback on the costs of the NDIS, and can assist interested organisations and individuals in preparing a written submission. For details on how to prepare a submission, lodge a submission online, or lodge a submission by post, go to the Commission’s submissions webpage.
A Position paper on the NDIS costs review is expected to be released in May 2017, at which point the Commission will seek further information and feedback. The final report is expected to be provided to the Australian Government in September 2017.
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