The Implementation of the NDIS: Who Wins, Who Loses?

Abstract

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a major paradigm shift in funding and support for people with disability in Australia. It is a person centered model that has at its core a change in government funding away from service providers direct to individuals with disability. In principle it is heralded as a major step forward in disability rights. Nonetheless, the implementation poses threats as well as benefits. This paper outlines potential threats or risks from the perspective of not-for-profit organisations, workers in the sector and most importantly people with disability.  It draws on a range of recent reports on the sector, person centered models of funding and care, the NDIS and past experience. Its purpose is to forewarn the major issues so that implementers can be forearmed.