THE HON LINDA BURNEY

SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES

SHADOW MINISTER FOR PREVENTING FAMILY VIOLENCE
MEMBER FOR BARTON
MORE WORK NEEDED ON NDIS

Two reports have today highlighted just how much work is needed to get the roll-out of the
NDIS back on track.

According to the latest NDIS quarterly report, delays mean the equivalent of 66,000
Australians are missing out on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and almost half
of NDIS participants are using less than 50 per cent of their plans.

While the quarterly report provides some good news, including that over 63,000
Australians are receiving support for the first time, it is clear major challenges remain.

The National Disability Services’ annual State of the Disability Sector Report 2018 also
illustrates the frustration of service providers with the rollout.

Three out of four service providers have expressed dissatisfaction with the scheme’s
bureaucratic systems and processes, which they describe as confusing and difficult to
understand.

The reality is the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has neglected the rollout of the
NDIS, and while service providers are frustrated, it is ultimately participants who are
paying the price.

Its arbitrary staff cap is hampering the NDIS from being all it can be and delivering for the
thousands of Australians with disability.

There simply hasn’t been the staff capacity to help get providers ready, and to ease the
bureaucratic bottlenecks inhibiting providers from navigating the system.

The NDIS is an important national reform which will improve the lives of thousands of
Australians with disability. It deserves the full attention and genuine commitment of
government.

The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government – who has seen five ministers for disability over
five years – has dropped the ball on this rollout.

MONDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2018

MEDIA CONTACT: DARYL TAN 0422 028 222