Delivering the NDIS: New data to stimulate specialist housing market

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, says the release of new data on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) will further stimulate the market and ensure better long-term options for Australians needing specialised housing solutions.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) regularly releases data on participants receiving SDA funding but for the first time will provide data on the demand for SDA across Australia.

That data will be broken down to Level 3 Statistical Areas, distinct geographical regions which will help the NDIA and registered providers identify those areas in greatest need.

Minister Robert said SDA dwellings are vital as they give people with disability independence and a place of their own where they can feel secure and comfortable.

‘As the number of participants with SDA funding continues to rise, it’s important we continue to see further growth in the number of providers offering these living options,’ Mr Robert said.

‘By publishing this additional data, it will help providers understand where there is greatest demand for these types of dwellings which in turn should stimulate investment in those areas.’

The NDIA recently published a new page on the NDIS website identifying the existing SDA matching platforms, which helps participants search for housing solutions that meet their requirements.

The Morrison Government has previously announced measures designed to make it easier for eligible participants to access high quality specialist disability housing and give them greater choice over where and with whom they live.

‘We have introduced a number of practical measures to provide greater certainty to investors, to remove barriers to investment and increase market information,’ Mr Robert said.

‘This is just another step in that journey and will ensure every NDIS participant has access to the living arrangements they choose and allow them greater independence.’

As of 30 June 2020 there were almost 15,000 NDIS participants with SDA funding in their plans. More information on SDA can be found at www.ndis.gov.au.