NDIS name change

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will revert to its original title at minimal cost to the taxpayer.

Following an expensive and unnecessary rebrand by the previous Labor Government, the Coalition committed to restoring the NDIS name in line with community sentiment that the name DisabilityCare was seen as patronising by many people with disability.

People with disability do not want to be objects of care – they want to be supported to be independent and in control of their own lives.

The NDIS is about value for money, support on a needs basis, a strong actuarial focus and minimising costs over time through early intervention. The name should reflect the insurance principles of the Scheme.

Government investment in the NDIS should be directed to high quality services for Australians with disability, not wasted on an expensive branding exercise.

That is why I instructed the Agency to reinstate the NDIS name at a minimal cost. Due to my refusal to accept the original costing and direction to look for cheaper options, the Agency has made the change at $68,000 rather than their initial estimate of $2.8 million.

The final cost is in stark contrast to Labor’s $18 million DisabilityCare rebranding folly that offended many in the community.

The Coalition has delivered on its commitment to restore the integrity of the NDIS name.