ABC News: Limited support services in the remote NT are forcing people with disabilities to relocate
8/12/2021
More than 1,700 NDIS participants live in remote parts of the Northern Territory, but advocates say there is highly inadequate access to support, forcing them to relocate to the city.
Paulette Bumarba was reluctant to move from her home. Lack of services in her remote area of Gunbalanya made the move to Darwin necessary for her health. Two months after moving, she is feeling homesick.
"It's really hard for me to stay [in Darwin] without my family," she said.
NDS said there were significant barriers for remote providers, including workforce challenges and pricing.
Nadia Lindop, Deputy Chair of the NT Committee for NDS and CEO of the Machado-Joseph Disease Foundation said, "There's a lot of issues with securing staff accommodation."
Ms Lindop said pricing levels under the NDIS for remote services were inadequate, posing a further challenge for providers.