Editorial: NDIS changes hurt kids in need
Reining in the budget blackhole that is the National Disability Insurance Scheme is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges ahead of the Albanese Government.
The most recent NDIS financial sustainability report warned that without reform, the cost of running the scheme would balloon to $66.1 billion in 2027-28 — greater than Australia's annual defence budget.
By 2034, it's expected that number will hit $93b.
That's simply not sustainable.
A significant factor in the scheme's rapid growth is the unexpected number of children with autism or developmental conditions.
Sixty-nine per cent of new NDIS participants are kids under the age of 15. The amount of children on the scheme is close to double original projections from the Productivity Commission at its inception.
The original purpose of the NDIS — to enable vulnerable Australians with serious disability to live full and independent lives — is an admirable one and one which has the continued support of the nation. But gradual mission creep has pushed the scheme to the brink, and become a financial albatross around the nation's neck.
This is something that has been recognised by the Albanese Government, which wants to pare back the NDIS' growth from 12 per cent to 8 per cent — still far greater than the 4 per cent annual growth originally forecast and well above growth targets in other social programs.
The search for serious savings within the scheme is on.
One move, due to come into effect on July 1, is to reduce or freeze the hourly rates physiotherapists, psychologists, speech pathologists and dietitians can charge NDIS patients. Claimable travel time will be capped at 50 per cent.
That will see physiotherapist rates will drop $10 to $183.99 per hour and dietitians and podiatrists drop $5 to $188.99 per hour. In WA, psychologists will receive a reduction of $11.23 an hour.
It's a change that clinicians and patients say will leave many children with disabilities without access to life-changing treatment.
Already, speech pathologist Demi Williams says she will have to close her mobile service to areas including Wundowie, Chidlow and Wooroloo, disadvantaging patients without the ability to come to her.
Holly Tickner from Next Bite Paediatric Feeding Centre says mobile services are a lifeline for many families.
'Some of the kids I see have significant physical disabilities, they are in wheelchairs or have oxygen tanks, it's not easy for them to jump in the car or for mums to take half a day off work to get them to appointments several times a week.'
Health Minister Mark Butler says the pricing changes — which were announced just a fortnight before coming into effect — were made after analysis showed NDIS participants were paying more for therapy services than Australians outside the scheme.
A workable and sustainable NDIS is essential for the future of Australia. And value for taxpayer money must be central to that mission. But so too must ensuring that vulnerable participants get the care they need, where they need it.
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