An efficient National Disability Insurance Scheme can provide support to those who need it under a government plan to restrict budget growth, the Prime Minister says.
The Commonwealth is seeking to ensure the NDIS delivers for people with disabilities from a “position that is sustainable”, Anthony Albanese told reporters on Saturday.
His comments follow national cabinet discussions outlining target growth of no more than eight per cent by July 2026, with the scheme on track to be the most expensive item in the federal budget, eclipsing Medicare.
“No one is talking about any cuts here, we’re talking about growth of eight per cent annual,” Mr Albanese said.
“It’s still a substantial growth, but we know there has been some fraud in the scheme, we know there are various things that need to be looked at.”
Changes can help ensure “every dollar of taxpayer money” improves the lives of people living with disability, “not going into the profits of a provider of equipment that’s increased the costs by many times” the prime minister said.
More than $720 million has been committed to boost the capability of the agency in charge of the scheme to better support participants.
“We will work with the (National Disability Insurance Agency), we’ll work with people like Kurt Fearnley, the chair, who is of course a remarkable Australian, and we’ll work with the sector,” Mr Albanese said.
“We want to make sure that everyone who needs support is getting it, but we want to make sure as well, that every dollar that is put into the scheme is making a positive difference.”
-AAP
