Ability First has been talking constructively with government and the National Disability Insurance Agency about the financial viability challenges faced by quality, registered, not-for-profit disability service providers for some time and we will continue these discussions in a solutions focussed, data-informed way to support the Government’s agenda to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Our concern is that there will be more closures of these types of providers meaning that some of the most vulnerable in the community are unable to receive quality services. Long- term financial sustainability includes ensuring the NDIS cost model accounts for the true cos-of-service delivery to those with complex needs.
Ability First members have set out our priority areas to ensure financial sustainability of the NDIS – they can be found here – Key Principles – Ability First Australia
The Ability Roundtable 2023-24 financial year benchmarking data and the NDIAs report from the Independent Pricing Committee has highlighted that the Not-For-Profit sector is in financial stress, and we cannot afford to wait another 5 years while the Government considers the implementation of the NDIS Independent Review recommendations. The 2023-24 benchmarking results foreshadowed potential market failures like this, and analysis of 66 organisations who participated in Ability Roundtable benchmarking, all of whom are registered providers, with a majority operating at a loss in the 2023-24 financial year.
Reports outlining findings from Ability Roundtable’s financial benchmarking can be downloaded via the Ability Roundtable website.