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Further shifts are on their way
The moves to limit the growing cost of the NDIS represent a fundamental change to the scheme
Nic Stuart
June 13, 2025
The abilityNEWS Daily
The Big Story
The growing cost of the NDIS is the green line . . .
Change is coming to the NDIS
This simple graph in yesterday’s Financial Review clearly displayed the fundamental problem with the NDIS today. It’s consuming too much money. The disability scheme was never meant to cost anything like aged care.
Governments have two simple media strategies when they want to implement change.
When the money’s being handed out politicians want fanfare and beautifully illustrated booklets, full of smiling people, given out to reporters. When the money’s being taken away, however, it’s much more difficult to find a politician who wants to be interviewed.
That’s not surprising. Psychologists say we feel the pain of losing things much harder than if it had never been there to begin with. That’s why politicians spend so much time ‘shaping the ground’ before they act. They don’t want to get too far ahead of the common consensus.
This is why the media is so important to politicians. It reveals where ‘the people’ are. Mainstream reporting is revealing something very important about where the NDIS is positioned today. People feel the scheme is too generous.
The truth really doesn’t really matter. It’s popular perception that counts, and this has changed with the growing cost of the scheme.
Any willingness to tolerate the continued, exponential growth of the NDIS has now vanished. And although nobody will say this publicly, even original supporters of the scheme have now effectively decided that if it is to be preserved it needs to change. The cost needs to be capped. Urgently.
There are three strands to this strategy: shame, shift and shave.
Whether these measures represent a carefully thought-through political strategy or not really doesn’t matter at this point. What is important is it clearly signals a new direction for the NDIS.
Change is coming and it’s coming now.
The Briefing
What does good housing look like (photo courtesy The Mandarin)
Summer Foundation launches new disability research centre with La Trobe University
By Summer Foundation
La Trobe University and the Summer Foundation have launched a research centre to significantly increase Australia’s evidence base in housing and support for people with disability. The centre aims to inform NDIS reform by considering the importance of safe, secure and affordable housing by expanding research, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration between experts and early career researchers.
The Impact of Anti-Diversity Political Narratives and the Global Financial Situation on the Work of the Disability Community.
By People Living with Disability Australia
People with Disability Australia warns that rising anti-diversity narratives and economic pressures are deepening inequality for marginalised groups. They urge governments to support intersectional advocacy, inclusive leadership programmes and properly funded community-driven disability services.
Mental Health failures place greater demand on disability services
By National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum
The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum hosted a webinar on psychosocial disability and complex mental health from a co-design view. Speakers examined the need to distinguish psychosocial disability from complex mental health. The seminar found the psychosocial disability sector is now a key policy space due to the failures of the mental health system.
AI, Cognitive Disability, and Inclusive Governance
By People with Disability Australia
Neurodivergent individuals often rely on AI tools to support reading, writing and managing daily tasks in education and work. Alexandra Bignell urges inclusive AI development, co-designed with disabled voices, to prevent deepening inequality through technology.
Sarah and Bronwen: a family’s perspective of DSV’s Education Support Service
By Down Syndrome Australia
Twelve-year-old Sarah, who has Down syndrome, has thrived at school thanks to tailored advice from Down Syndrome Victoria's Education Support Service. Her mother Bronwen highlights the crucial role of ongoing advocacy, training and individualised support in shaping Sarah’s positive educational journey.
New Changes to NDIS Funding Periods
By NDSP Plan Managers
From 19 May 2025, the NDIS will release participant funding in smaller periods—monthly, quarterly or up front—rather than in full. The aim is to help participants better manage budgets and reduce risks of overspending or running out before plans end.
Sarah (photo courtesy Down Syndrome Australia)
The Wrap
NDIS cuts price caps for 2026
By ABC News
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has announced upcoming reductions in price caps for various services starting in 2026. These changes aim to align NDIS pricing with standard market rates, potentially impacting service providers and participants.
Knives out on costs: NDIS prices slashed
By The Australian
The NDIA has announced significant reductions in the maximum fees for services like physiotherapy and dietetics under the NDIS, aiming to align prices with non-NDIS rates. Providers and advocates express concern that these cuts could lead to service closures and negatively impact participant care.
Damning disability report reveals children removed from family homes
By The Courier-Mail
A Queensland report highlights systemic issues leading to the unnecessary separation of children from parents with cognitive disabilities. It calls for urgent reforms to support these families and prevent unwarranted removals.
Shock aged care provider closure hits 1000 jobs, 3000 customers
By The Courier-Mail
Annecto Incorporated, a long-standing aged care and disability services provider, has announced its closure, affecting thousands of clients and staff. The sudden decision has raised concerns about the continuity of care for NDIS participants relying on their services.
Walker inquest team called up for Coles death in custody investigation
By Courier Mail
The legal team from the Kumanjayi Walker inquest will lead the investigation into the death of Kumanjayi White, a disabled Warlpiri man who died in police custody. The case has intensified calls for systemic reforms in handling individuals with disabilities.
Quiz: What was the cost of therapy services to the NDIA in the half-year from June to December last year?
The "Fairer and more equitable pricing for NDIS participants" news article published on Wednesday states: "Therapy supports represent a significant propportion of NDIS funding. With $2.4 billion in payments in the six months to December 2024, nearly 413,000 participants access therapy supports which account for more than 10 per cent of total Scheme spend."
The Diary
