National Disability Insurance Scheme

{{Short description|Australian disability insurance scheme}} {{About|Australia's disability insurance scheme|the agency overseeing the safety of the scheme|NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission|the universal health insurance system|Medicare (Australia){{!}}Medicare}} {{pp-vandalism|small=yes}} {{Cleanup reorganize|date=June 2024}} {{Use Australian English|date=November 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2016}} {{Infobox government agency | name = National Disability Insurance Agency | seal = | logo = National Disability Insurance Scheme logo.svg | formed = {{Start date and age|2013|7|1|df=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=The National Disability Insurance Scheme: a chronology|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1819/Chronologies/NDIS|last1=Buckmaster|first1=Luke|last2=Clark|first2=Shannon|date=13 July 2018|website=Parliament of Australia|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> | jurisdiction = Australia | employees = 3,495 (2019)<ref name="NDIS-AR18">{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 2018–19|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/1833/download|date=13 September 2019|website=National Disability Insurance Scheme|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> | budget = {{AUD}}35.8 billion (2022–23)<ref>{{Cite web |title=How the NDIS will blow out to $50b (in four charts) | date=24 October 2022 |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/how-the-ndis-will-blow-out-to-50b-in-four-charts-20221019-p5br1c#:~:text=At%20an%20annual%20running%20cost,government%20hospitals%20(%2427.3%20billion)}}</ref> | minister1_name = Mark Butler | minister1_pfo = Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme | minister2_name = Jenny McAllister | minister2_pfo = Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme | chief1_name = Lisa Studdert | chief1_position = Chief Executive Officer (Acting)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Organisational structure|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/governance/organisational-structure|date=14 April 2020|website=National Disability Insurance Scheme|access-date=30 May 2020}}</ref> | parent_department = Department of Health, Disability and Ageing | website = {{URL|ndis.gov.au}} }}

The '''National Disability Insurance Scheme''' ('''NDIS''') is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds reasonable and necessary supports associated with significant and permanent disability for people under 65 years old.<ref name="everyaustraliancounts/about">{{cite web|url=http://www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/about-ndis/|title=About NDIS}}</ref><ref name="NDISAct">{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2013A00020|title=National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013|date=18 October 2023 }}</ref> The scheme was introduced in 2013 following the "''Make It Real"'' community campaign and advocacy from disability groups,<ref name="NDISAct"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=McIntyre |first=Iain |date=2023-04-26 |title=People With Disability Australian Protest Timeline |url=https://commonslibrary.org/people-with-disability-australian-protest-timeline/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Commons Social Change Library |language=en-AU}}</ref> and is governed by the '''''National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013''''' ("NDIS Act"). The scheme is administered by the '''National Disability Insurance Agency''' (NDIA) as part of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/12/anthony-albanese-cabinet-ministry-tanya-plibersek-social-services |title=Anthony Albanese reveals new cabinet with Tanya Plibersek named as minister for social services |last1=McIlroy |first1=Tom |last2=Butler |first2=Josh |newspaper=The Guardian |date=12 May 2025 |access-date=15 May 2025}}</ref><ref name="NDISAct"/>

The NDIS model allocates funding to an individual, with the individual, their guardian or a private "plan manager" purchasing goods and services from suppliers. The scheme is entirely publicly funded and not means-tested, with recipients not purchasing or contributing to the scheme directly. The NDIS is independent of the Disability Support Pension and any state and territory disability programs, although NDIS navigation services may help individuals access these supports. The NDIS exclusively funds disability supports, not healthcare-associated costs. These remain publicly funded under Medicare and state and territory government health services.

In 2024, legislation was passed to reform the NDIS to better manage the cost of the program and the efficacy of supports provided. The package provides around {{AUD|link=|500 million}} to improve regulatory and evidence-based purchasing mechanisms, revise local linkage services, and reform NDIS pricing to improve transparency and predictability. The legislation was introduced in response to the Independent NDIS Review, concerns that some NDIS participants and suppliers were engaging in fraud, and an increase in low-value supports being funded by the scheme.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2024 |title=Getting the NDIS back on track |url=https://www.dss.gov.au/publications-articles-corporate-publications-budget-and-additional-estimates-statements/getting-the-ndis-back-on-track |access-date=13 September 2024 |website=Department of Social Services}}</ref>

== History == === Context === In the 1800s, the states and territories operated asylums and other institutions for disabled people not long after their establishment, replicating the predominant model of treatment in the United Kingdom. These institutions were often large and residential.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Thematic Heritage Study on Australia's Benevolent And Other Care Institutions |url=https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/resources/bb1007b2-b6d2-47be-be8e-9410392bbe0f/files/thematic-study.pdf |website=www.dcceew.gov.au |publisher=Australian Government, Australian Heritage Council |access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref>

The Commonwealth ''Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Act 1908'' provided an "Invalid Pension" to people "permanently incapacitated for work" and unable to be supported by their families, so long as they fulfilled racial and other requirements.<ref>{{cite web |title=Invalid and Old-age Pensions Act 1908 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C1908A00017 |website=www.legislation.gov.au |date=10 June 1908 |language=en}}</ref> This provided money that recipients could spend on their care and assistance.

In 1941, the "Vocational Training Scheme for Invalid Pensioners" was begun by the Curtin government. This provided occupational therapy and allied services to people who were not permanently incapacitated, to help them gain employment. In 1948, this body became the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service, and its work continued.<ref>{{cite web |title=Service Delivery in CRS Australia |url=https://www.anao.gov.au/work/performance-audit/service-delivery-crs-australia |website=www.anao.gov.au |language=en |date=2016-01-26}}</ref>

In the 1970s, care of people with severe disability in Australia shifted from institutionalisation, to being cared for in the community.<ref name=RamcharanUnderstandingNDIS>{{cite web|author=Paul Ramcharan |url=https://theconversation.com/understanding-the-ndis-a-history-of-disability-welfare-from-deserving-poor-to-consumers-in-control-58069 |title=Understanding the NDIS: a history of disability welfare from 'deserving poor' to consumers in control |publisher=Theconversation.com |date=2016-07-01 |access-date=2016-07-08}}</ref> In 1974, Gough Whitlam proposed a national disability insurance scheme like the scheme created in New Zealand that year. Academic Donna McDonald suggests it was Treasurer Bill Hayden who convinced Whitlam to focus on the introduction of Medibank, the predecessor to Medicare, instead.<ref>{{cite web|first=Donna |last=McDonald |url=https://theconversation.com/disabilitycare-now-a-reality-but-how-can-we-protect-its-future-14217 |title=DisabilityCare now a reality but how can we protect its future? |website=The Conversation |date=20 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130611140451/http://theconversation.com/disabilitycare-now-a-reality-but-how-can-we-protect-its-future-14217|archive-date=11 June 2013}}</ref>

In 1991, the Disability Support Pension (DSP) replaced the Invalid Pension, with the aim of increasing recipients' rehabilitation and hours of paid work.<ref>{{cite web |location=Parliament House |title=Disability Support Pension – Historical and projected trends |url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Budget_Office/Publications/Research_reports/Disability_support_pension_Historical_and_projected_trends |website=www.aph.gov.au |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In 2005, the NSW government created the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme, to cover ongoing care for people who had been severely injured in motor accidents.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Walsh|first1=John|last2=Johnson|first2=Sarah|title=Development and Principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme|journal=Australian Economic Review|date=September 2013|volume=46|issue=3|pages=327–337|doi=10.1111/j.1467-8462.2013.12032.x|s2cid=154436071}}</ref>

In 2006, Bruce Bonyhady, chair of Yooralla, met with former Labor cabinet minister Brian Howe, who put him in touch with a group of people who became known as the Disability Investment Group. In 2008, the Disability Investment Group made an independent submission to the Australia 2020 Summit. They then sent their recommendations to the Productivity Commission.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/weekend-australian-magazine/bruce-bonyhady-ndis-campaigner/story-e6frg8h6-1226723522725 |title=2011: Bruce Bonyhady, NDIS campaigner |publisher=News Corp |newspaper=The Australian |date=21 September 2013 |access-date=7 November 2016}}</ref>

In 2011, the Productivity Commission released a report on the issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/disability-support/report |title=Inquiry report – Disability Care and Support Productivity Commission |publisher=Australian Government|author=Productivity Commission |date=10 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819201205/http://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/disability-support/report|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> Disability in Australia "was framed as an economic issue, rather than a social issue".<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=Pavla|last2=Hayward|first2=David|title=Social policy 'generosity' at a time of fiscal austerity: The strange case of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme|journal=Critical Social Policy|date=22 August 2016|volume=37|issue=1|page=130|doi=10.1177/0261018316664463|s2cid=157963780}}</ref> Research by PricewaterhouseCoopers in 2011 found that by approximately 2025, the cost of maintaining the status quo in relation to the care of people with a disability, would be greater than the cost of an NDIS.<ref name=1stprogressreportexsum>{{cite book|title=Progress report on the implementation and administration of the National Disability Insurance Scheme – Executive Summary|date=29 July 2014|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/First_progress_report/b03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815061020/http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/First_progress_report/b03|archive-date=15 August 2016}}</ref> In 2011, the Council of Australian Governments agreed the disability sector in Australia needed reform.<ref name=NDISOfficialHistory>{{cite web|title=Our history|url=https://myplace.ndis.gov.au/ndisstorefront/about-us/our-history.html|publisher=NDIS|access-date=9 July 2016}}</ref>

In 2011, it was recommended that psychosocial disability be included in the scheme.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/ndis-costs/report/ndis-costs.pdf|title= National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Costs Study Report|website=Productivity Commission}}</ref> Due to the mental health sector's use of the recovery approach rather than a focus on permanent disability, this has been a culture clash.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Williams |first1=Theresa M |last2=Smith |first2=Geoffrey P |title=Can the National Disability Insurance Scheme work for mental health? |journal=Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry |date=26 March 2014 |volume=48 |issue=5 |pages=391–394 |doi=10.1177/0004867414530007|pmid=24671233 |s2cid=35934722 }}</ref>

According to a report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in September 2012, demand for disability aid in Australia had seen significant increases in recent years.<ref name="dfd">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/demand-for-disability-aid-increases/story-fn59niix-1226478861321 |title=Demand for disability aid increases |access-date=3 December 2012 |date=21 September 2012 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited|agency=AAP}}</ref>

=== Establishment of a NDIS trial ===

right|thumb|A rally in support of the NDIS, Brisbane, 2012. In November 2012, a bill to establish the NDIS was introduced into Federal Parliament by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.<ref name="billintroduced">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/gillard-introduces-ndis-legislation/story-e6frf7kf-1226526333897|title=PM introduces NDIS bill to parliament|publisher=News Corp|newspaper=Herald Sun|access-date=3 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2012B00230 |title=National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 |publisher=Legislation.gov.au |access-date=2016-07-08}}</ref> In March 2013, it was passed as the ''National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013''.<ref name=NDISOfficialHistory /> There is a COAG Disability Reform Council which continues to oversee the NDIS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/04_2017/drc_terms_of_reference.pdf| title=COAG Disability Reform Council Terms of Reference}}</ref>

When the Abbott government came into power in 2013, the assistant minister in charge of the NDIS was Mitch Fifield, who capped the number of employees the NDIA could have to 3,000, when the Productivity Commission had estimated 10,000.<ref name="Australian1May2018">{{cite news|last1=Morton|first1=Rick|title=Thousands worse off in NDIS|url=http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.sl.nsw.gov.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=anh&AN=9X9AUSNEWSMMGLSTRY000367860194&site=ehost-live|access-date=18 May 2018|work=The Australian|date=1 May 2018|language=en|via=Ebscohost}}</ref>

The 2013 Australian federal budget committed $14.3 billion to the NDIS, to be paid for by increasing the Medicare levy by 0.5%.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-15/welfare-groups-have-mixed-budget-reaction/4691620|title=Welfare groups have mixed budget reaction|first=Sally|last=Sara|date=15 May 2013|publisher=ABC News}}</ref> In May 2013, the Australian Government estimated that the disability sector in Australia would need to double to meet the needs of the NDIS.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.budget.gov.au/2013-14/content/glossy/ndis_policy/download/ndis.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023213503/http://budget.gov.au/2013-14/content/glossy/NDIS_policy/download/NDIS.pdf|publisher=Australian Government|date=May 2013|archive-date=23 October 2016|title=DisabilityCare Australia|page=17}}</ref>

The first part of the scheme rolled out on 1 July 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/disability-care-australia-ndis/4783344|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|website=ABC News|date=28 June 2013|first1=Gillian|last1=Bennett|first2=Jayne|last2=Margetts|archive-date=1 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701033025/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-28/disability-care-australia-ndis/4783344|title=DisabilityCare Australia: The national disability insurance scheme}}</ref> It was initially known as "DisabilityCare Australia" and commenced only in South Australia, Tasmania, the Hunter Region in New South Wales and the Barwon region of Victoria. The NDIS began in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in July 2014. The Medicare levy increased from 1.5% to 2% on 1 July 2014, to fund the NDIS.<ref>{{cite web|title=Medicare levy increase to fund DisabilityCare Australia|url=https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-individuals/Medicare-Levy-increase-to-fund-DisabilityCare/|website=www.ato.gov.au|publisher=Australian Government|access-date=28 February 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123923/https://www.ato.gov.au/General/New-legislation/In-detail/Direct-taxes/Income-tax-for-individuals/Medicare-Levy-increase-to-fund-DisabilityCare/|archive-date=2 April 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In the first nine months of the scheme, 5,400 people with disabilities accessed an NDIS plan.<ref name=1stprogressreportexsum />

Between 2014 and May 2015, a project entitled the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Citizens’ Jury Scorecard was led by People With Disability Australia, in collaboration with Max Hardy Consulting, with the support of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). This involved twelve Australians, including people with disability, being randomly selected to serve as nonspecialist jurors, with the role of determining to what extent the NDIS was achieving its stated vision and aspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=People with Disability Australia |date=2023-05-10 |title=Citizens' Jury Case Study: NDIS Citizens' Jury Scorecard Project |url=https://commonslibrary.org/citizens-jury-case-study-ndis-citizens-jury-scorecard-project/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Commons Social Change Library |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In February 2015, the government disability rehabilitation and employment body CRS Australia was abolished, with its functions being distributed via the NDIS and Disability Employment Services markets.

In late 2015, the Abbott government began a process of making significant changes to the board of the NDIA. Current board directors, including then board chair Bruce Bonyhady, claimed their positions were advertised publicly before they were informed.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-09-03|title=National Disability Insurance Scheme board discovers their jobs are being advertised by reading the newspaper|url=https://www.afr.com/policy/national-disability-insurance-scheme-board-discovers-their-jobs-are-being-advertised-by-reading-the-newspaper-20150904-gjeuev|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Australian Financial Review|language=en}}</ref> In October 2016, Minister for Social Services Christian Porter, announced his intention to appoint several new board members, including a new chair. The primary experience of the newly appointed members were in corporate sectors, including "financial services, health, energy, resources, education and arts sectors",<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2017-01-12|title=New board revealed for NDIA|url=https://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/new-board-revealed-ndia/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Every Australian Counts|language=en-AU}}</ref> rather than the previous board member's disability sector experience.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Corporate Heavyweights Replace Bonyhady in NDIS Shakeup|url=https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2016/10/corporate-heavyweights-replace-bonyhady-ndis-shakeup/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Pro Bono Australia|language=en-US}}</ref> The new board appointees, including incumbent chairwoman Dr Helen Nugent, were announced in January 2017.<ref name=":0" />

The 2016 Australian federal budget attempted to make savings of $2.1 billion for the NDIS fund by re-assessing Disability Support Pension recipients' capacity to work, and cutting compensation for the carbon pricing scheme.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-03/disability-support-crackdown-to-help-fund-ndis/7380828|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822014255/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-03/disability-support-crackdown-to-help-fund-ndis/7380828|archive-date=22 August 2016|title=Budget 2016: Disability support crackdown to help fund National Disability Insurance Scheme|website=ABC News|first=Jane|last=Norman|date=3 May 2016}}</ref> This included scrapping an ad campaign letting people know about the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/ndis-ad-campaign-for-22-billion-disability-reform-scrapped-ahead-of-launch-20160509-goqep5.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=11 May 2016|archive-date=7 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107083059/http://www.smh.com.au/national/ndis-ad-campaign-for-22-billion-disability-reform-scrapped-ahead-of-launch-20160509-goqep5.html|title=NDIS: ad campaign for $22 billion disability reform scrapped ahead of launch|first=Rachel|last=Browne}}</ref> This budget committed to reduce the number of permanent employees in the NDIA to 3,000.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=Pavla|last2=Hayward|first2=David|title=Social policy 'generosity' at a time of fiscal austerity: The strange case of Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme|journal=Critical Social Policy|date=22 August 2016|volume=37|issue=1|pages=128–147|doi=10.1177/0261018316664463|s2cid=157963780}}</ref> Peak disability group People with Disability Australia expressed concerns the NDIS would become a 'political football'.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-03/budget-2016/7380832|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|website=ABC News|title=Budget 2016: Concerns NDIS savings fund announced in budget could become 'political football'|first=Norman|last=Hermant|date=3 May 2016|archive-date=12 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612170528/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-03/budget-2016/7380832}}</ref>

=== Transition to national operations === The NDIS began formally rolling out on 1 July 2016.<ref name="RamcharanUnderstandingNDIS" /> NDIS CEO, David Bowen, announced his resignation in March 2017, which took effect in November 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=NDIS chief David Bowen announces resignation|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-15/national-disability-insurance-scheme-ceo-david-bowen-resignation/8356928|access-date=15 March 2017|work=ABC News|date=15 March 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref> He was replaced with former Bankwest CEO, Rob De Luca.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Rick |title=NDIA tosses dice on 'values' campaign |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/ndia-tosses-dice-on-values-campaign/news-story/1b197fce9997e508f455a738f18348d6?nk=3b6568da2110b7ab25c7be226b8ce7e0-1538020240 |access-date=27 September 2018 |work=The Australian |date=27 September 2018|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

In February 2017, the NDIS was developing a virtual assistant called "Nadia" which takes the form of an avatar using the voice of actress Cate Blanchett.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cio.com.au/article/614647/ndia-recruits-cate-blanchett-voice-new-avatar/|title=NDIA recruits Cate Blanchett to voice new avatar|date=22 February 2017|website=CIO|access-date=2018-12-31|archive-date=1 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100816/https://www.cio.com.au/article/614647/ndia-recruits-cate-blanchett-voice-new-avatar/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April 2018, the NDIA announced that Serco would be operating contact centres in Melbourne and regional Victoria for two years.<ref>{{cite web|title=NDIA Contact Centre|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/contact-centre-announcement.html|website=www.ndis.gov.au|access-date=23 April 2018|language=en|date=20 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424192204/https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/contact-centre-announcement.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> This prompted concern from peak advocacy body People with Disability Australia and others about Serco's lack of experience with disabilities despite being at the first point of contact with clients.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Knaus|first1=Christopher|title=Outsourcing NDIS contact centres to Serco 'an accident waiting to happen'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/23/outsourcing-ndis-contact-centres-to-serco-an-accident-waiting-to-happen|access-date=23 April 2018|work=the Guardian|date=23 April 2018|language=en}}</ref>

In May 2018, the ''Australian Financial Review'' noted that the NDIS was "becoming an economic factor in its own right", particularly in regional areas.<ref>{{cite news|title=The race for votes is just beginning|url=https://www.afr.com/opinion/federal-budget-2018-the-economy-shifts-politics-in-the-race-for-election-votes-20180511-h0zyd8| access-date=12 May 2018|work=Australian Financial Review|date=11 May 2018}}</ref>

A May 2018 report by Flinders University into the running of the NDIS found that half of all participants in the NDIS have either had their support reduced, or have not experienced a change in their support levels since the NDIS has been introduced.<ref name="Australian1May2018" />

In 2018, it was reported that the NDIA had a budget of $10 million for legal services, that are employed to attempt to prevent people appealing for more money under the scheme, or to prevent them from accessing the scheme. As of May, 260 cases had been resolved by the courts, with the NDIA losing 40% of them.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Morton|first1=Rick|title=NDIS legal bill hitting $10m a year|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/ndis-legal-bill-hitting-10m-a-year/news-story/c048d6028a8363597a30115d3cdb921f|access-date=18 May 2018|work=The Australian|date=17 May 2018|language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The Tune review, led by David Tune in 2019, made 29 recommendations to help the NDIS.<ref>{{ cite web| url=https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/01_2020/ndis-act-review-final-accessibility-and-prepared-publishing1.pdf| title=Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013: Removing red tape and implementing the NDIS participant service guarantee| first= David| last=Tune| date= December 2019}}</ref> The report was handed to the government in December 2019, and was published in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web | title=David Tune's Review of the NDIS Act: A Snapshot | website=Centro ASSIST | date=5 February 2020 | url=https://www.centroassist.com.au/blog-0/2020/2/5/david-tunes-review-of-the-ndis-act-a-snapshot | access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref>

In 2021, independent assessments were to be introduced for NDIS participants over the age of 7.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of the NDIS &#124; NDIS |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments |access-date=8 May 2025 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20200921013514/https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments |url-status=dead }}</ref> The independent assessments will focus on "individual circumstances and functional capacity".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessments-and-your-plan |title=Independent assessments and your plan {{!}} NDIS |website=www.ndis.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928085856/https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessments-and-your-plan |archive-date=2020-09-28}}</ref> Assessors will be qualified health professionals who are not NDIA employees, and they cannot be a participant's regular healthcare professional.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessors |title=Independent assessors {{!}} NDIS |website=www.ndis.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928085630/https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessors |archive-date=2020-09-28}}</ref> Assessments will take 1 to 4 hours, and the assessors will "ask you questions about your life and what matters to you, and ask to see how you approach some everyday tasks. They will work through some standardised assessment tools with you, based on your age or disability".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessment-process |title=The independent assessment process {{!}} NDIS |website=www.ndis.gov.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200903003254/https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/independent-assessments/independent-assessment-process |archive-date=2020-09-03}}</ref>

Disability advocates are concerned about the introduction of independent assessments,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2020/09/new-ndis-independent-assessments-slammed-by-disability-activists/|title = New NDIS independent assessments slammed by disability activists}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pwd.org.au/we-are-concerned-about-independent-assessments-for-the-ndis/|title = We are concerned about "Independent Assessments" for the NDIS – People with Disability Australia| date=3 September 2020 }}</ref> and the NDIA has explicitly linked the introduction of independent assessments to containing the cost of the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Rick |title=Exclusive: The seven-year plot to undermine the NDIS |url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2020/12/05/exclusive-the-seven-year-plot-undermine-the-ndis/160708680010805#mtr |access-date=5 December 2020 |work=The Saturday Paper |date=5 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref> While the Coalition government is committed to introducing independent assessments, they do not enjoy parliamentary support.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Henriques-Gomes |first1=Luke |title=Linda Reynolds concedes Coalition's proposed NDIS changes don't have parliamentary support |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jun/02/linda-reynolds-concedes-coalitions-proposed-ndis-changes-dont-have-parliamentary-support |access-date=1 June 2021 |work=Guardian Australia |date=2021-06-01 |language=en}}</ref> Following a lobbying campaign by disability coalition Every Australian Counts a trial scheme for independent assessments was put on hold in April 2021. Further campaigning saw them fully abandoned in July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Australian Progress |last2=McIntyre |first2=Iain |date=2022-02-02 |title=Lessons from the Campaign to Stop Independent Assessments Webinar |url=https://commonslibrary.org/lessons-from-the-campaign-to-stop-independent-assessments-webinar/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=The Commons Social Change Library |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In August 2024, a series of NDIS reforms were passed, slated to reduce NDIS spending by $14 billion over the following four years. The reforms included moving foundational disability supports to the states and out of the NDIS, tightening eligibility rules for some supports, and setting an annual spending growth target of 8%.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Jake |title=Bill Shorten defends NDIS reforms that will save government $14 billion |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-25/shorten-defends-ndis-reforms-cost-saving-not-a-cut/104267202 |website=ABC News |date=25 August 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Canales |first1=Sarah Basford |title=Bill Shorten accuses Greens of NDIS misinformation as he tries to reassure participants over new laws |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/25/bill-shorten-accuses-greens-of-ndis-misinformation-as-he-tries-to-reassure-participants-over-new-laws |website=The Guardian|date=25 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Canales |first1=Sarah Basford |title=Albanese government not 'engaging deeply and honestly' over NDIS overhaul, Queensland premier says |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/27/albanese-government-not-engaging-deeply-and-honestly-over-ndis-overhaul-queensland-premier-says |website=The Guardian |date=27 Mar 2024}}</ref>

In April 2026, Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Mark Butler announced sweeping reforms to the NDIS aimed at reining in ballooning costs. The scheme's growth will be limited to 2% each year between now and 2030 before returning to a 5% growth rate. The reforms include overhauling eligibility, cracking down on unregistered providers, and reducing funding for social and community participation. The government estimates that, by the end of the decade, these changes will result in 160,000 fewer participants than at present. Some participants will be diverted to Thriving Kids which is intended for children under the age of eight with developmental delays or autism.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-22/ndis-overhaul-eligibility-rule-changes-explained/106593778|title=How will the changes to the NDIS affect me? Five key takeaways from the government's planned overhaul|website=abc.net.au|date=2026-04-22|access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/apr/22/ndis-changes-reforms-cuts-national-disability-insurance-scheme-explained|title=The NDIS is undergoing sweeping changes. How will the cuts work – and will they affect you?|date=2026-04-22|website=theguardian.com|access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref>

==Demographics== In June 2019, 298,816 people with disabilities were being supported by the NDIS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/1820/download|title=PB Pricing Strategy|website=ndis.gov.au}}</ref> This number had increased to 518,000 people by April 2022, representing around 15% of people with disabilities in Australia (base on an estimate of 4.4 million Australians living with disability). Experts interviewed by the ABC suggested that this was in part because people aged over 65 are not eligible for NDIS supports, and that some lesser-visible disabilities were harder to establish eligibility for.<ref>{{cite news |title=Millions of Australians with disability are not on the NDIS, creating a 'worthy and unworthy' divide |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-18/australians-not-on-ndis-forgotten/101072632 |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=ABC News |date=17 May 2022 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

The number of NDIS participants had increased to 761,442 at 31 December 2025, with people with autism as their "primary disability" making up 43 percent of participants.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/two-labor-mps-both-of-them-doctors-say-the-ndis-must-be-redesigned-20260406-p5zlls.html#selection-1075.174-1079.308|title=Two Labor MPs – both of them doctors – say the NDIS must be redesigned|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=6 April 2026|first=Natassia|last=Chrysanthos|access-date=8 April 2026}}</ref>

== Operation ==

From an individual perspective, each participant has funds allocated to their plan. Each plan contains funding that can be spent on pre-approved activities, such as therapies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Disability advocates welcome sweeping changes to the NDIS, greater accessibility |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-28/ndis-disability-sector-government-proposed-reforms/12602432 |access-date=9 September 2020 |work=www.abc.net.au |date=27 August 2020 |language=en-AU}}</ref> There are three ways a NDIS plan can be managed: by the participant or their nominee managing the plan, by a registered plan management provider, or by the NDIA.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ndis.gov.au/medias/bin/documents/h3d/h6f/8801974190110/First-plan-transcript.docx |title=First Plan Transcript |access-date=12 July 2018 |archive-date=11 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311175939/https://ndis.gov.au/medias/bin/documents/h3d/h6f/8801974190110/First-plan-transcript.docx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Where the participant self-manages their plan, they are told to keep records of all purchases in case of a future audit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Morton |first1=Rick |title=Fraud and reviews swamp NDIS operators |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/fraud-and-reviews-swamp-ndis-operators/news-story/86421db9baa6bf80abbda2a777ab30fc |access-date=12 July 2018 |work=The Australian |date=16 May 2018 |language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Services === The first stage of the NDIS aimed to provide reasonable and necessary support for people with significant and permanent disability.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/reasonable-and-necessary-supports |title=National Disability Insurance Scheme – What are reasonable and necessary supports? &#124; National Disability Insurance Scheme |publisher=Ndis.gov.au |date=2014-12-03 |access-date=2016-07-08}}</ref>

Supports funded by the NDIS are split across three areas. "Core Supports" include everyday consumable items such as continence aids, personal care assistance, support with social and community participation and funding for transport.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plan budget and rules {{!}} NDIS |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/plan-budget-and-rules |website=www.ndis.gov.au}}</ref> "Capacity Building" is intended to build the person with disability's independence and ability to manage their own life.<ref>{{cite web |title=Support budgets in your plan {{!}} NDIS |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/managing-your-plan/support-budgets-your-plan#capacity-building-supports-budget |website=www.ndis.gov.au |access-date=14 July 2019}}</ref> The "Capital Supports" budget is intended for very expensive assistive technology and home or vehicle modifications.<ref>{{cite web |title=Support budgets in your plan {{!}} NDIS |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/managing-your-plan/support-budgets-your-plan |website=www.ndis.gov.au |access-date=14 July 2019}}</ref>

The Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program aimed the support Australians living with a disability by providing grants to organisations to facilitate economic and community involvement. This included projects that focused on individual capacity, and projects that worked to improve the accessibility of mainstream society. Through the ILC program, NDIS participants had also been supported to run micro-enterprise businesses.<ref>{{cite web |author1=NDIA |date=11 February 2021 |title=Micro enterprise, a meaningful employment alternative {{!}} NDIS |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/5996-micro-enterprise-meaningful-employment-alternative |access-date=29 September 2022 |website=www.ndis.gov.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=NDIA |date=23 August 2022 |title=Thinking about self employment {{!}} NDIS |url=https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/understanding-supports/employment-supports/thinking-about-self-employment |website=ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au}}</ref> From mid-2020, the ILC program transitioned out from the NDIS, and to the Department of Social Services.<ref>{{cite web |title=Information Linkages and Capacity Building |url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/communities/ilc-home.html |access-date=1 October 2018 |website=www.ndis.gov.au |language=en}}</ref>

During the trial phase of the NDIS, the scheme supported: *about 3,000 people through the Newcastle, New South Wales trial office *about 1,500 children up to 5 years of age through the South Australian trial office *about 800 eligible young people aged 15 to 24 in Tasmania *about 4,000 people in the Barwon South West region, Victoria *2,500 persons in the ACT, as it prepared to become the first territory to have the scheme fully implemented from July 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/history-ndis|title=History of the NDIS |website=NDIS |access-date=2019-04-20}}</ref>

The number of people assisted rose to 20,000 people with disabilities by 2015. It has been recommended to increase participation to 410,000 however this figure remains uncertain.<ref name="cis">{{cite press release |url=http://www.afdo.org.au/node/415 |title=Cruel Insulting Statistics: CIS Gets the NDIS Wrong |date=15 November 2012 |publisher=Australian Federation of Disability Organisations |access-date=3 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408201617/http://afdo.org.au/node/415 |archive-date=8 April 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> There are two main entry points to the NDIS, through Early Childhood Early Intervention for those under 6 years old, and the general scheme for those between 6 and 65 years of age.<ref>{{cite journal| last1=May| first1=Tamara| last2=Roberts| first2=Jacqueline| last3=Webber| first3=Murray| last4=Spreckley| first4=Michelle| last5=Scheinberg| first5=Adam|last6=Forrester|first6=Mike|last7=Williams|first7=Katrina|title=Brief history and user's guide to the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme| journal=Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health|volume=54|issue=2|pages=115–120|date=14 October 2017| doi=10.1111/jpc.13748| pmid=29030948| doi-access=free| hdl=11343/293578| hdl-access=free}}</ref>

In 2017, the NDIS had an annual budget of $700 million for specialist disability accommodation, to be used to house 28,000 people with high support needs.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Winkler| first1=Di|last2=Taleporos|first2=George|last3=Bo'sher|first3=Luke|title=How the NDIS is using the market to create housing for people with disability|url=https://theconversation.com/how-the-ndis-is-using-the-market-to-create-housing-for-people-with-disability-83144|access-date=9 September 2017| work=The Conversation| date= 8 September 2017}}</ref>

In 2015, over 7,000 young disabled people lived in aged care homes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Winkler |first1=Di |title=Nursing homes are no place for young people with disabilities |url=https://theconversation.com/nursing-homes-are-no-place-for-young-people-with-disabilities-43847 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref> One goal of the NDIS is to get younger people with disabilities out of residential aged care settings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Taleporos |first1=George |title=Five years on, NDIS is getting young people out of aged care, but all too slowly |url=https://theconversation.com/five-years-on-ndis-is-getting-young-people-out-of-aged-care-but-all-too-slowly-97851 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref> The Supported Independent Living (SIL) initiative allows for people with disabilities to live in sublet rental properties that are leased through their NDIS provider and arranged to cater for their needs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NDIS Independent Living |url=https://affinityproperty.net.au/ndis-independent-living/ |access-date=2026-03-06 |website=Affinity Property |language=en-AU}}</ref>

Therapies to treat dysphagia were funded under the NDIS until late 2017. Dysphagia, amongst other speech pathology conditions, were revised as health concerns rather than disabilities, and transitioned to being managed by state and territory health services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Henriques-Gomes |first1=Luke |title=NDIA under pressure after funding for 'life-threatening' condition axed |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/dec/06/ndia-under-pressure-after-funding-for-life-threatening-condition-axed |access-date=5 December 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=5 December 2018}}</ref>

In 2024, the NDIS completed between 300,000 and 500,000 payments a day. Until early 2024, claims made out of usual business hours were processed automatically without oversight. It is the second largest claim system in the Australian Government, with only the Medicare scheme processing more claims per day.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Burton |first=Tom |date=7 June 2024 |title=Revealed: The shady industry taking a holiday on the NDIS |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/travelling-on-the-ndis-credit-card-20240605-p5jjd8 |access-date=13 September 2024 |work=Australian Financial Review}}</ref>

=== Scheme costs === The cost of the NDIS was a point of contention at a time when the Federal Government insisted upon a return to surplus in the 2013 Australian federal budget. In 2010, the Productivity Commission estimated it would cost A$15&nbsp;billion a year. In 2012, a Government report revised that figure to $22&nbsp;billion in 2018.<ref name="cob">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-15/claims-of-blowout-in-disability-insurance-scheme/4374722 |title=Claims of blowout in disability insurance scheme |first=Lisa|last= Whitehead |access-date=3 December 2012 |date=16 November 2012 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref> According to the Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, the program will effectively double the cost of supporting those with disabilities. In 2012, a number of state disability ministers initially described the draft legislation for the NDIS as lacking flexibility and criticised it for being too prescriptive.<ref name="srt">{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/states-react-to-federal-ndis-draft-bill/story-e6frfku9-1226521450394 |title=States react to federal NDIS draft bill |first=Lisa|last=Martin|website=News.com.au |access-date=3 December 2012 |date=21 November 2012 |publisher=News Limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121121192439/http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/national/states-react-to-federal-ndis-draft-bill/story-e6frfku9-1226521450394|archive-date=21 November 2012}}</ref>

In December 2012, New South Wales was first state to fully commit to funding for the scheme, with costs roughly divided between federal and state governments.<ref name="fns">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-06/feds-nsw-strike-deal-on-disability-scheme/4412754 |title=Feds, NSW strike deal on disability scheme |first=Simon |last=Cullen |access-date=7 December 2012 |date=7 December 2012 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031005808/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-06/feds-nsw-strike-deal-on-disability-scheme/4412754|archive-date=31 October 2016 }}</ref> The then Premier of Queensland, Campbell Newman, wanted the federal government to fully fund the scheme,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/gillard-urges-queenslanders-to-sign-up-state-for-disability-reforms/story-fndo45r1-1226529256119 |title=Gillard urges Queenslanders to sign up state for disability reforms |author=Koren Helbig |access-date=7 December 2012 |date=4 December 2012 |newspaper=Herald Sun |publisher=News Limited }}</ref> arguing the state cannot commit funds while Queenland's debt was high. In May 2013, Campbell Newman signed the agreement in support of the program.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/qld-joins-other-states-support-gillard-govts-ndis/1860055/?ref=hs |title=Qld joins other states in support of Gillard Govt's NDIS |first=Ava|last=Benny-Morrison |access-date=8 May 2013 |date=8 May 2013 |newspaper=Sunshine Coast Daily |publisher=APN News & Media }}</ref>

On 2 May 2013, an agreement was signed between Tasmania and the federal government.<ref>{{Cite web|title=May Was Disability Insurance Awareness Month (DIAM)|url=https://brokeradvisor.mgis.com/articles/may-was-disability-insurance-awareness-month-diam/|last=Lana|first=Jen|date=4 May 2013|website=Broker Advisor MGIS|access-date=6 May 2013}}</ref> The state committed to $134&nbsp;million of initial funding.<ref name="tso">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-02/tasmania-to-join-disabilty-scheme/4664384?section=tas |title=Tasmania signs on to disability scheme |date=2 May 2013 |website=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|archive-date=3 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603100104/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-02/tasmania-to-join-disabilty-scheme/4664384?section=tas }}</ref> The Northern Territory signed an agreement to join the scheme on 11 May 2013.<ref name="walh">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/politics-news/wa-last-holdout-on-ndis-as-nt-signs-up/story-fn59nqld-1226639916023 |title=WA last holdout on NDIS as NT signs up |access-date=11 May 2013 |date=11 May 2013 |newspaper=The Australian |publisher=News Limited }}</ref> From 1 July 2014, the Medicare levy rose from 1.5% to 2% to help fund the NDIS.<ref name="fbfp">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-01/budget-hole-as-savings-measures-delayed-by-senate/5561118 |title=Federal budget feels pain as savings measures slated for July 1 delayed by Senate |first=Emma |last=Griffiths |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101010831/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-01/budget-hole-as-savings-measures-delayed-by-senate/5561118|archive-date=1 November 2016 |date=1 July 2014 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation }}</ref>

NDIS is pooled from multiple sources at federal and state/territory government levels.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dickinson|first1=Helen|title=Explainer: how much does the NDIS cost and where does this money come from?|url=https://theconversation.com/explainer-how-much-does-the-ndis-cost-and-where-does-this-money-come-from-95924|website=The Conversation|date=7 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> In August 2016, Guide Dogs Victoria complained that only half of its members are eligible for the NDIS, and that they are losing donations because the public thinks Guide Dogs Victoria is funded under the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Willingham |first1=Richard |title=Guide Dogs charity fears the impact of NDIS on donations |url=https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/guide-dogs-charity-fears-the-impact-of-ndis-on-donations-20160814-gqs2un.html |access-date=9 September 2018 |work=The Age |date=14 August 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2017, Scott Morrison announced that the Productivity Commission would be conducting an independent review of the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news|title=Government announces independent review of NDIS|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-20/national-disability-insurance-scheme-government-announces-review/8198574|access-date=20 January 2017|work=ABC News|date=20 January 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref> In March 2017, a Victorian man who lives at Moriac won a court case against the NDIS, for only agreeing to fund 75% of his transport costs to Geelong for his work and "NDIS-supported activities".<ref>{{cite news|title=Victorian man wins court appeal over NDIS payment of transport costs|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-28/federal-court-rules-in-favour-of-autistic-man-over-ndis-funding/8393532|access-date=14 April 2017|work=ABC News|date=28 March 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref>

The emphasis of the NDIS has been noted to stem from the 2011 productivity commission report that began it.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Marston|first1=Greg|last2=Cowling|first2=Sally|last3=Bielefeld|first3=Shelley|title=Tensions and contradictions in Australian social policy reform: compulsory Income Management and the National Disability Insurance Scheme|journal=Australian Journal of Social Issues|date=December 2016|volume=51|issue=4|pages=399–417|doi=10.1002/j.1839-4655.2016.tb01240.x|hdl=10072/378673|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

An 0.5% increase to the Medicare levy was proposed after the 2017 budget.<ref>{{cite news|title=Medicare levy increase ditched, creating $8 billion NDIS shortfall|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-25/medicare-levy-increase-to-fund-ndis-scrapped/9696746|access-date=26 April 2018|work=ABC News|date=25 April 2018|language=en-AU}}</ref> In April 2018, this was scrapped, as the government had found "other sources of revenue". Disability groups have urged the government to provide greater clarity.<ref>{{cite news|title=Medicare levy turnaround 'a win' for everyone, Morrison claims|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-26/disability-advocates-cautious-new-ndis-funding/9697114|access-date=26 April 2018|work=ABC News|date=26 April 2018|language=en-AU}}</ref> In 2018, the Morrison government set up a Drought Future Fund for farmers using $3.9 billion "repurposed" from the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCauley |first1=Dana |title=NDIS funds to be 'repurposed' for drought relief under Morrison plan |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/ndis-funds-to-be-repurposed-for-drought-relief-under-morrison-plan-20181026-p50c5k.html |access-date=27 October 2018 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=26 October 2018 |language=en}}</ref>

The NDIS provides funding to modify homes as per the needs of any disable person so they safely access it and move around comfortably in areas they frequently use. The NDIA also finance fair and appropriate supports related to or incidental to home modifications in some cases.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NDIS Home Modifications|url=https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/home-and-living/home-modifications-explained|website=National Disability Insurance Agency}}</ref>

A 2021 report by independent think tank Per Capita estimated that for every dollar spent on the NDIS, there was a return of investment of $2.25.<ref name="FALSE ECONOMY"/> The NDIS is the second most expensive government program in Australia, after the aged pension.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clun |first1=Rachel |title=The $60 billion question: how to fund and run the NDIS |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-60-billion-question-how-to-fund-and-run-the-ndis-20220926-p5bl41.html |access-date=17 October 2022 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=16 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

The NDIS cost 29.3&nbsp;billion in 2021–22, 33.9&nbsp;billion in 2022–23, and 38.0&nbsp;billion in 2023–24. It is forecast to cost 41.4&nbsp;billion in 2024–25 and 44.6&nbsp;billion in 2025–26.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook47p/FundingNDIS | title=Funding the National Disability Insurance Scheme }}</ref>

In 2024, the Australian government actuary suggested that the NDIS may cost as much as 125&nbsp;billion per year by 2034 and the growth rate was 23% to 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/almost-one-in-three-jobs-created-last-year-was-for-the-ndis-20240401-p5fgi4 | title=Almost one in three jobs created last year was for the NDIS | date=April 2024 }}</ref>

=== Staffing and workforce === In 2017, the Productivity Commission reported that some areas had less than 40% of the number of disability services employees needed to cope with demand for NDIS services.<ref>{{cite news|title=Disability workforce won't keep up with demand, report warns|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-25/ndis-report-warns-major-cities-not-prepared-for-implementation/8303276|access-date=24 February 2017|work=ABC News|date=25 February 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref> The NDIA spent over $180 million on consultants and contractors between July 2016 and October 2017, which Jenny Macklin argues is due to the NDIA operating under a staffing cap.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Knaus|first1=Christopher|title=National Disability Insurance Agency paid $5m to one contractor|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/may/02/national-disability-insurance-agency-paid-5m-to-one-contractor|access-date=8 May 2018|work=the Guardian|date=1 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> Disability support workers only identified negative aspects to the NDIS on the quality of jobs in interviews with UNSW.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cortis |first1=Natasha |url=https://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/research/projects/ndis-workforce-pricing/ |title=Reasonable, necessary and valued: pricing disability services for quality support and decent jobs |last2=Macdonald |first2=Fiona |last3=Davidson |first3=Bob |last4=Bentham |first4=Eleanor |date=2017 |publisher=Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW |series=SPRC Report 10/17 |location=Sydney |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401211219/https://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/media/SPRCFile/NDIS_Pricing_Report.pdf |archive-date=2018-04-01}}</ref> In 2022, the Albanese government planned to remove the staffing cap.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kavanagh |first1=Anne |author-link=Anne Kavanagh |last2=Dickinson |first2=Helen |date=31 May 2022 |title=With a return to Labor government, it's time for an NDIS 'reset' |url=https://theconversation.com/with-a-return-to-labor-government-its-time-for-an-ndis-reset-183628 |access-date=6 June 2022 |website=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref>

While a 2014 government report on the NDIS predicted the scheme would enable carers to participate more in the workforce or in work-allied activities, as of 2018, there was limited evidence that this was the case.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hamilton |first1=Myra |date=October 2018 |title=The NDIS hasn't made much difference to carers' opportunities for paid work |url=https://theconversation.com/the-ndis-hasnt-made-much-difference-to-carers-opportunities-for-paid-work-98157 |access-date=11 October 2018 |website=The Conversation |language=en}}</ref>

In 2021, it was estimated that the NDIS employed over 270,000 people, over 20 different occupations, and indirectly contributed to the employment of tens of thousands more.<ref name="FALSE ECONOMY">{{cite web |title=FALSE ECONOMY: The economic benefits of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the consequences of government cost-cutting |url=https://teamwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Per_Capita_Report_teamworks.pdf |publisher=Per Capita |date=2021}}</ref>

== Access and fraud issues == {{Excessive examples|section|date=June 2022}}

In 2015–2016, only 76% of participants' funds were utilised. The Productivity Commission expressed concern, as it could lead to poorer outcomes for participants.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/ndis-costs/report/ndis-costs.pdf|title=National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Costs|website=Productivity Commission}}</ref> As of 2017, approximately 90% of NDIS costs were related to participant funding packages.<ref>[https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/completed/ndis-costs/report/ndis-costs.pdf NDIS Costs Report] p. 6</ref>

In 2018, Bruce Bonyhady said that a key issue that was yet to be resolved was what the supports were for those not receiving support from the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news |title=NDIS architect calls on bipartisan support for funding overhaul |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-04/ndis-architect-calls-on-bipartisan-support-for-funding-overhaul/9830126 |access-date=3 June 2018 |work=ABC News |date=4 June 2018 |language=en-AU}}</ref> There have been concerns that people with mild intellectual disabilities, as well as those who are socially marginalised, will find it difficult to engage with the NDIS.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=O'Connor|first1=Morrie|title=The National Disability Insurance Scheme and People with Mild Intellectual Disability: Potential Pitfalls for Consideration|journal=Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities|date=27 May 2014|volume=1|issue=1|pages=17–23|doi=10.1080/23297018.2014.908815}}</ref>

In February 2017, Jan Pike, a former Paralympian, said that while having been on the NDIS, it took five months for a wheelchair to be delivered to her, and she could not get contractors to install a shower handrail because they were worried about not getting paid due to the NDIS web portal being "broken". A Facebook group, "NDIS Grassroots Discussion", was created for use by people with a disability to discuss their experiences with the NDIS.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fighting for access to disability support a 'nightmare' for some|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-24/fighting-for-access-to-disability-support-a-nightmare-ndis/8297138|access-date=24 February 2017| work=ABC News|date=24 February 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.facebook.com/groups/239631286154106| website=Facebook| title=NDIS Grassroots Discussion}}</ref>

In April 2017, Kirsten Harley, who had a terminal illness, was denied augmented communication through the NDIS because her condition would deteriorate. Neurological Alliance Australia said NDIS plans aren't being made with the input of people who understand neurological conditions and so were inadequate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Terminally ill woman fears NDIS 'writing off' people with neurological conditions|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-04-15/terminally-ill-mother-fears-ndis-writes-off-people/8445228|access-date=14 April 2017|work=ABC News|date=15 April 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref> Dr Justin Yerbury was denied wheelchair and accessible housing modifications due to being assessed as having a poor life expectancy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Concerns motor neurone patients slipping through cracks|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-10/concerns-about-motor-neurone-disease-ndis/9533350|access-date=11 March 2018|work=ABC News|date=10 March 2018|language=en-AU}}</ref> Tim Rubenach was in the NDIS, but his assistive equipment delivery was delayed until after his death. His family have said that the delays in receiving his equipment hastened his death.<ref>{{cite news |title='We're going to fight': Family's pain over NDIS treatment of son |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-31/tim-rubenach-death-hastened-by-ndis-family-says/9821384 |access-date=9 June 2018 |work=ABC News |date=31 May 2018 |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In June 2017, the process of writing NDIS plans was reduced to hours rather than weeks, and people requesting a review were being cut off from basic services.<ref>{{cite news|title=NDIS service plans process 'cut down from weeks to hours'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-06-15/ndis-service-planning-process-cut-down-from-weeks-to-hours/8619866|access-date=21 June 2017|work=ABC News|date=15 June 2017|language=en-AU}}</ref>

In May 2017, it was reported that administration times for adults with disabilities in the Barwon region had lengthened, but services had not increased.<ref>{{cite book|title=Choice, Control and the NDIS|publisher=University of Melbourne|location=Melbourne| isbn=978-0-9942709-5-5| url=http://socialequity.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/2364499/Choice-Control-and-the-NDIS-Report-Melbourne-Social-Equity-Institute.pdf| date=24 May 2017}}</ref>

Guidelines were developed to show how the NDIS will interact with other systems, such as health systems, child protection, and education services.<ref>{{cite web|title=Principles to determine the responsibilities of the NDIS and other service systems| url=https://www.coag.gov.au/sites/default/files/communique/NDIS-Principles-to-Determine-Responsibilities-NDIS-and-Other-Service.pdf|website=coag.gov.au|access-date=18 October 2017|date=27 November 2015}}</ref> In September 2017, these interactions were described as being open to "cost-shifting" between the NDIS and existing services.<ref>{{cite web|title=Coordinating the NDIS and the health care system – MJA InSight 37, 25 September 2017|url=https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2017/37/coordinating-the-ndis-and-the-health-system/|via=Doctor Portal|access-date=18 October 2017|language=en|archive-date=11 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411150329/https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2017/37/coordinating-the-ndis-and-the-health-system/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In September 2017, it was reported that many specialist services were closing due to no longer having block funding, making it harder for NDIS participants to be able to use their packages.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Knaus|first1=Christopher|title=NDIS: people with severe mental health problems being denied access on 'a daily basis'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/18/ndis-people-with-severe-mental-health-problems-being-denied-access-on-a-daily-basis|access-date=6 March 2018|work=Guardian Australia|date=17 September 2017|language=en}}</ref>

In September 2017, it was predicted that childhood disabilities with a late onset (ages 2–3) were likely to be under-served in the ECEI model.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Marchbank| first1=Alison M| title= NDIS failing to catch children with late-onset difficulties|url=https://theconversation.com/ndis-failing-to-catch-children-with-late-onset-difficulties-83296| website=The Conversation|access-date=24 January 2018| date=20 September 2017}}</ref>

In February 2018, the peak body for disability services in Australia, National Disability Services, estimated that the NDIS may have owed up to $300 million to service providers.<ref>{{cite news|title=NDIS 'owes $300m' to service providers, industry leader says|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-28/ndis-owes-millions-to-service-providors-says-industry-expert/9490712|access-date=28 February 2018|work=ABC News|date=28 February 2018|language=en-AU}}</ref>

In March 2018, ''The Australian'' newspaper noted that tarot card readers and other fringe therapy providers had become NDIS providers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Morton|first1=Rick|title=NDIS: Tarot readers and sound stimulators sign on to provide services| url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/ndis-tarot-readers-and-sound-stimulators-sign-on-to-provide-services/news-story/af2f99b990e0b23d4e6aa4dd9984e2b8|access-date=26 March 2018|work=The Australian|date=20 March 2018|language=en|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== 2020s === In April 2022, ABC News reported that participants or their carers can appeal decisions made around their NDIS funding by going to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Government agency accused of being 'at war' with NDIS participants as funding plans are slashed |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-29/government-accused-failing-ndis-participants-amid-funding-cuts/101009408 |access-date=29 April 2022 |work=ABC News |date=28 April 2022 |language=en-AU}}</ref> The amount of funding that young children can be allocated for therapies is determined based on an standardised internal NDIA clinical guidelines, rather than being determined by treating clinicians.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Curtis |first1=Katina |title=NDIS uses secret tool to calculate children's therapy funding |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/ndis-uses-secret-tool-to-calculate-children-s-therapy-funding-20220518-p5ama4.html |access-date=19 May 2022 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 May 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

In 2022, Michael Phelan, then the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission chief, warned as much as a fifth of disability funding in the NDIS was being defrauded by organised crime groups, amounting to $8 billion a year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-24 |title=NDIS rorts by organised crime worse than feared, says insurance scheme's watchdog |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-24/ndis-rorts-by-organised-crime-worse-than-feared-watchdog/103888752 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref> Criminals have been manipulating participants to fund drugs, holidays and cars, prompting a thorough review.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-06-04 |title=How criminals are rorting NDIS participants for drug trafficking |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-04/ndis-scam-fraud-participants-manipulated-australia/103934188 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-12-04 |title=An estimated $1.4 billion of NDIS funding was lost to payment errors in a year. For Toby's family, it's a 'colossal waste' |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-12-05/ndis-fraud-costs-billion-dollar-loss/103184130 |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}</ref>

In December 2023, under Bill Shorten, a new taskforce was launched to crack down on price discrimination by NDIS providers. This will target providers that charge participants different prices depending on if they receive NDIS funding.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Canales |first=Sarah Basford |date=2023-12-17 |title=New taskforce to crack down on price gouging by unscrupulous NDIS providers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/dec/17/new-taskforce-to-crack-down-on-price-gouging-by-unscrupulous-ndis-providers |access-date=2024-09-13 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

In June 2024, a former Treasury economist said "When it comes to the NDIS, we need to talk about the quality of jobs and the quality of supports delivered, not simply the number of jobs and supports. Many of the jobs being created by the NDIS are not frontline care jobs directly benefiting people living with disability". In 2024, the ''Australian Financial Review'' stated "The uncontrolled growth in the NDIS is contributing to Australia's inflation and productivity problem, economists and business operators believe ''[...]'' Australia is now among the biggest government spenders on disability in the world, outlying more than $84 billion a year (more than 3 per cent of GDP), for items such as the NDIS, disability support pensions, and carer payments."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-07 |title=The NDIS is a taxpayer sinkhole. Is it an economy killer too? |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/the-ndis-is-a-taxpayer-sinkhole-is-it-an-economy-killer-too-20240606-p5jjp6 |access-date=2024-06-08 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2024, the ''Australian Financial Review'' (AFR) found that some suppliers were claiming up to $20,000 in NDIS funding for participants' travel and holidays. The report notes that while NDIS funding may be used to contribute towards additional costs of holidays required as a result of a disability, the guidelines were "hazy and open to abuse" from unregistered travel operators. Peter Negri, managing director of a disability travel operator, noted that unregistered operators are known to use short-term respite funding to pay for trips to Disneyland Japan or helicopter tours of the Barossa Valley – effectively creating a taxpayer-funded holiday, sometimes at a cost of up to $20,000 per person. Mr Negri states that these fraudulent activities were "ruining the reputations of legitimate providers" and the industry now sees NDIS participants as "buckets of money, ripe for the picking".<ref name=":1" />

In the same article, NDIS integrity chief John Dardo stated that while NDIS payments are set up by well-meaning people, the system was immature. Dardo contrasted the NDIS to Medicare, noting that the latter is much heavily codified with strict rules on what is funded and what is not. He also drew attention to the effect of plan manager, often private company employees who have the authority to approve fund distributions. Some plan managers, particularly smaller organisations, have often been found to frequently authorise funding without any evidence or to related businesses or people. ''AFR'' analysis found that around 300 plan managers would not have met the requirement to be issued a Statement of Tax Record, suggesting that these organisations were being allowed to manage participant NDIS plans while not appropriately managing their own general corporate tax and financial matters.<ref name=":1" />

In 2024, an investigation by The Saturday Paper revealed focus groups were conducted by RedBridge polling, to test which narratives were supportive of funding cuts.<ref>{{cite web | title=NDIS media strategy briefing given before review finished | date=27 July 2024 | url=https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2024/07/27/ndis-media-strategy-briefing-given-before-review-finished }}</ref> RedBridge found participants told "believable" fraud and rorting stories were most supportive of cuts. Without that "rhetoric", disabled people tended to oppose scheme reform. The scheme was seen to be "as popular as Medicare".<ref>{{cite web | title=NDIS is as popular as Medicare, study shows | date=13 March 2024 | url=https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/ndis-is-as-popular-as-medicare-study-shows-20240312-p5fbv1 }}</ref>

This polling and the associated communication strategy were developed during Bruce Bonyhady's review of the NDIS, and Bonyhady was briefed on focus group outcomes. However, he said "it did not influence what we recommended".

== NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission == {{Main|NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission}}

The '''NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission''' ('''NQSC''') is the national agency tasked with regulating providers to the NDIS. This includes:

* protecting the safety of NDIS participants by coordinating nationally consistent screening of disability sector workers * promoting the use of least restrictive practices as part of behaviour management plans * investigating and prosecuting alleged unfair pricing strategies of NDIS-funded supports * enforcing provider compliance with the NDIS Code of Conduct and standards * ensuring NDIS-funded supports are safe and high-quality

The commission does not regulate administrative decisions of the National Disability Insurance Agency, such as plan budgets or participant eligibility. NDIS participants have the right to submit complaints to the commission where they are concerned about the safety or quality of supports received under NDIS funding.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2024 |title=What we do |url=https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission}}</ref>

The commission began its regulatory operations in July 2018 when it acquired jurisdiction for NDIS services in New South Wales and South Australia. Its jurisdiction expanded to include Queensland, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory in July 2019. In December 2020, the commission became a national regulator when it gained oversight of the NDIS in Western Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 October 2021 |title=NDIS Commission overview - NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Annual Report 2020-21 |url=https://www.transparency.gov.au/publications/social-services/ndis-quality-and-safeguards-commission/ndis-quality-and-safeguards-commission-annual-report-2020-21/part-1.-about-the-ndis-commission/ndis-commission-overview |access-date=4 January 2024 |website=Australian Government Transparency Portal}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Australia}}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{official website|https://www.ndis.gov.au/}}

{{Australian Government Agencies and Bodies}} {{authority control}}

Category:Disability in Australia Category:Public policy in Australia Category:2013 introductions Category:Gillard government