More people benefitting from the NDIS

The Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield, today released the latest Quarterly Report of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

It shows more than 17,300 people are now benefitting from the NDIS, with more than $952 million invested in the services and equipment they need to live more independent lives.

Key findings of the report include:

• 17,303 people with disability had an approved NDIS plan, at a total cost of $952.8 million. This represents 94 per cent of the bilateral targets, up from 85 per cent since the last Quarterly Report.
• The cost of the average package (excluding residents of large institutions) is $33,597. This is lower than the last quarter average ($34,907), and remains below the expected full scheme average of $36,750.
• Participant satisfaction levels remain very high.

“In the seven trial sites the NDIS is already making a difference in the lives of more than 17,300 Australians with disability and their families,” Minister Fifield said.

“It is transforming support for people with disability and moving to a needs-based system.

“The scheme’s lifelong approach means not only are someone’s immediate needs considered, but their needs across the course of their life.

“This year’s recent Budget demonstrated this Government’s commitment to the NDIS, both now and into the future.

“We announced $143 million to build a new ICT system for the full scheme, and are committing nearly $700 million for the NDIS this year.

“Governments are working on detailed schedules of how and when each state and territory will transition to the NDIS.

“I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts as we lay down the framework through which the NDIS will be rolled out to people with disability.”

The full Quarterly Report is available at http://www.ndis.gov.au/quarterly_reports