WA changes NDIS policy this week: what it means for you

This change brings WA in line with other Australian states and territories, aiming to streamline funding processes and enhance service delivery for over 62,000 NDIS participants in the region.

Key changes in WA

• Fixed annual contributions
  WA will now provide fixed, upfront funding contributions each year to the NDIS, with the Commonwealth Government covering the remaining costs. This approach is designed to offer a predictable and stable funding pool for service providers, potentially leading to more consistent support for participants.
  
• Establishment of a WA advisory council
  The government will form a new advisory council made up of individuals with lived experience and experts in the disability sector to advise on the implementation of the NDIS and advocate for the needs of participants.

Nationwide pricing adjustments

Concurrently, the National Disability Insurance Agency has implemented several pricing changes across Australia to ensure value for participants and standardise service costs.

• Therapy rates
  Standardisation of therapy rates nationwide, with some services experiencing rate reductions. For instance, physiotherapy sessions have been reduced by $10 to $183.99 per hour. In WA, the cut may exceed $40 per hour due to the removal of regional loadings.
  
• Travel-time billing
  Therapists can now bill only 50 percent of their hourly rate for travel time, a change aimed at encouraging efficient scheduling but raising concerns about service accessibility in remote areas.
  
• Removal of establishment fees
  Providers can no longer charge participants establishment fees for setting up services, potentially reducing upfront costs for new participants.
  

Implications for NDIS participants:

The changes aim to enhance the sustainability of the NDIS and ensure equitable access to services across Australia. For participants, standardised pricing may create more predictable budgeting and reduce costs for certain services. Additionally, the establishment of advisory councils and fixed funding contributions could lead to more tailored and consistent support.

However, concerns have been raised about the impact of reduced travel allowances and rate adjustments on service availability, particularly in regional and remote areas. Providers in these regions warn that the changes may make it financially unviable to offer services, potentially leading to reduced access for participants. 

WA’s alignment with the national NDIS model represents a significant step toward a more unified and efficient disability support system in Australia. While the changes aim to benefit participants through standardised pricing and consistent funding, ongoing monitoring and stakeholder engagement will be crucial to address any unintended consequences, especially concerning service accessibility in underserved areas.

For NDIS participants and providers, staying informed about these changes and actively participating in advisory councils or feedback mechanisms can help ensure that the NDIS continues to meet the diverse needs of Australians with disabilities.

What do you think of the new changes? Let the team at Talking Disability know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

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