Australia’s peak body for disability service providers, National Disability Services, has today released a paper “How to get the NDIS on track” which details recommendations on the way forward for the struggling National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The paper commends the NDIS as the right reform for Australia but warns that the scale and complexity of implementation is placing great pressure on stakeholders, including service providers.

NDS Chief Executive Dr Ken Baker said: “The commitment of the service sector to the NDIS has never been in question. But the operating environment is presenting major obstacles – from inadequate pricing to systems that are not holding up in the rapid pace of implementation.”

NDS’s recommendations include proposals to improve participant planning and pricing; to strengthen the NDIS’s focus on employment; and improve communication between all parties.

Dr Baker continued: “The NDIS cannot deliver on its great promise to people with disability and their families unless there is a strong and sustainable disability services sector. That sector is at risk." 

“NDS and the sector are ready to work with the NDIA and governments to improve the NDIS. We have recommendations ready to be heard and acted upon. The time to act is now.”

Dr Baker concluded: “Disability service providers campaigned for the NDIS alongside people with disability, their families and carers. Their motive was to improve the life opportunities and well-being of people with disability. That same motive remains.”