The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
Image: LinkedIn
A new attempt to introduce a joined-up system
The NDIA is promising a flexible, future-ready digital platform — but first it must move on from a legacy marred by spiralling costs, undeclared gifts, and performance failure.
The National Disability Insurance Agency is again planning a total overhaul of its technology systems. It says it will ditch the current outdated “monolithic” structure and replace it with a new modular, microservices-based architecture.
In what it describes as a “strategic transformation,” the NDIA is inviting industry to help design a new IT ecosystem that will integrate participants and providers using streaming architecture, service mesh technologies, and an open, event-driven model. It sounds wonderful. If only there wasn’t a history of similar promise, marred by complete failure.
Documents released this month highlight the ambition. Everything from claims processing and fraud management, through to communications systems and marketing functions, are on the table. Even PACE, the central customer platform, might be replaced or rebuilt.
Or not. But it’s the very inclusion of this system that immediately raises concerns amongst anyone with a memory.
Built by Salesforce, PACE has become a symbol of failure. Launched with a $27 million price tag, it blew out to a massive $135 million before coming under heavy scrutiny in a parliamentary report.
In June last year, the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit uncovered more than 100 undisclosed instances of gifts and hospitality provided by Salesforce to NDIA officials. This had continued over nearly five years and ranged from drinks and meals to gifts like golf games and clubs – and all while the system was supposedly being carefully scoped, tendered, and repeatedly expanded.
Yet at the same time as these reviews and expansion of ambition was proceeding, the system itself was becoming increasingly synonymous with failure.
It’s no wonder the agency is looking to start fresh.
On 21 July the NDIA briefed potential vendors, setting an August 11 deadline for initial requests for information. Officials say the new system will need to accommodate “diverse technology stacks” to meet the varied needs of the Scheme.
There’s nothing wrong with the ambition. What’s not quite clear is what has changed that will prevent a recurrence of the previous failure to achieve exactly this promise of transformation.
The Briefing
So many barriers to point-to-point transport
by National Centre for Disability Advocacy
People with disability continue to face widespread barriers in point-to-point transport, including poor driver training and reduced vehicle availability. The NCDA highlights how these transport issues are worsened by housing shortages in outer suburbs and regional areas.
Upholding Rights, Closing Gaps: National Push for a Human Rights Act
by Mental Health Australia
Community Mental Health Australia has joined over 100 organisations urging the government to introduce stronger human rights protections. They argue that a national framework would help ensure dignity and fairness, particularly for people with psychosocial disability.
Meet MyTime Facilitator Sarah Lacy
by Down Syndrome Australia
Sarah Lacy, a carer and former MyTime participant, is the new facilitator for groups in Bentleigh East, Warrandyte and Blackburn. She now supports fellow carers through creative sessions and shared experience, focusing on connection, wellbeing and peer-led activities.
Let’s make healthcare fair and accessible for everyone
by Physical Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia is holding a webinar on 5 August focused on healthcare equity for people with disability. Speakers include medical, legal and research professionals who will discuss barriers and shortcomings in Australia’s current system.
Join or Renew your DANA Membership today
by Disability Advocacy Network Australia
DANA is encouraging disability advocacy organisations and supporters to renew or begin membership under a revised structure for 2025/26. The updated model includes new fees aimed at sustaining national advocacy efforts and strengthening collaboration across the sector.
The Wrap
Authorities scramble to help Adelaide disability employer Bedford Group after 1400 jobs left on the line
by The Advertiser
Premier Peter Malinauskas says there is taxpayers’ “money on the table” as well-known SA disability business Bedford Group makes its case over the weekend to trade out of a financial disaster. The collapse followed growing pressure to abolish Australian Disability Enterprises including recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission.
Uncertain future for South Australia's major disability employment provider. What does it mean for those it supports?
by ABC
Bedford offers supported employment opportunities in areas ranging from hospitality, gardening, laundry and manufacturing, with a workforce understood to be numbering 1,650, including those it supports as well as other employees. Its website states it has grown to become the second-largest employer of people with disability in Australia, and the largest in South Australia, with 22 locations, and it has operated for 80 years.
The Diary
