Shorten to reboot NDIS to close loopholes
Minister Bill Shorten (Supplied)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is facing a major reboot amid fears of a multi-billion dollar cost blowout and allegations of rorting.
The scheme’s minister, Bill Shorten, has admitted the system had “lost its way” and vowed to completely overhaul it.
“When I talk about rebooting disability services that’s what I talk about. Systemic reform,” Shorten told the National Press Club in Canberra last month.
The reform will lead to more care workers, longer care plans, more at-home care, and will target misuse of the scheme.
It will also see an increase in inclusion through education and infrastructure.
“The truth is most service providers are brilliant,” Shorten said.
“The truth is most people with disabilities aren’t looking for truffles and caviar,” he added.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticised the scheme and placed the blame squarely on Shorten.
“Bill Shorten is the architect of the NDIS and if there are flaws in the NDIS, then Bill Shorten has to explain why he designed the scheme in such a way.”
The overwhelming flaw of the NDIS may be the scheme’s popularity – and therefore its cost.
This year it will cost the budget – due to be unveiled on May 9 amid warnings from Deloitte about a so-called “consumer recession” – more than Medicare or aged care.
But Shorten argued that “participants are valued clients, not human ATMs”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also weighed in on the importance of the overhaul today.
“What the NDIS does is enable people to fully participate in society and make a contribution to the economy,” he said.
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