National Disability Services (NDS), the Australian peak body for disability service providers, has warmly welcomed the announcement today of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2022-23 by Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, which includes a 9 per cent increase in prices and an additional $514 million in funding for registered providers.

NDS CEO Laurie Leigh said “The NDIS price guide was worth the wait! This is a very welcome response from the new Federal Government which recognises the additional costs service providers have had to bear during the pandemic as well as the costs of changes required of the sector by the NDIS reform processes being led by Minister Shorten.“

The pricing changes which take effect from 1 July include a 9 per cent increase in both provider prices and participant plans.

This includes a temporary 12-month 2 per cent loading for providers and recognises the additional costs of Covid which have been borne by providers, the increased costs providers are facing as a result of the Fair Work Commission decision increase in minimum award wages by 4.6 per cent, and the impacts of changes to the SCHADS award conditions.

In addition, Minister Shorten also announced $514 million for activity in the current financial year.

The Federal Government is seeking in return a commitment from providers to the processes needed for NDIS reform such as changes to systems and business models.

“NDS has been closely engaged with the new federal government and welcomes this package as an appropriate response to our calls for compensation for providers. We support the call to action from the Minister for providers to engage with and contribute to the NDIS reform process,” said Laurie Leigh.