NDIS funding not enough to meet needs, says draft paper
The agency running the $22 billion national disability insurance scheme will spend up to $900 million a year on housing but has ¬declared it will never own or build housing stock, according to a draft discussion paper.
The paper, circulated to state and territory governments and obtained by The Australian, attempts to “ring-fence” direction for the NDIS agency and is at the centre of a squabble over responsibilities between state and federal governments.
Because funding comes from individual support packages, the agency is still working out how much is available to spend during the trial phase and what projects should be piloted before full launch.
Assistant Social Services Minister Mitch Fifield said the paper was a draft only.
“The paper … broadly reflects the commonwealth’s approach to these issues. Further policy work with the states is required prior to finalisation, and this is occurring through the COAG Disability Reform Council,” he said.