The National Disability Insurance Scheme is delivering $2.25 to the Australian economy for every dollar being spent, according to new modelling released today, in a landmark report titled False Economy.
The analysis from independent thinktank Per Capita calculates the nation benefitting $52 billion in 2020-21 alone with benefits including:
- Support for 467,000 Australians being supported in the scheme.
- 270,000 workers delivering support, generating spending and demand for goods and services.
- A significant increase in labour market participation by carers and people with disability.
National Disability Services President, Rohan Braddy, said the report reinforced how the NDIS has been a transformative economic and social reform which is delivering for all Australians.
“At the core of the NDIS is the right for every person eligible for an NDIS package to build their own team of support workers around them to live their best life.
“This report shows how that simple idea is transforming lives and creating jobs, with the benefits flowing across the economy.”
NDS, the peak body for disability service providers, would today launch a national campaign calling on all parties to keep the NDIS strong.
The campaign will include direct engagement with NDS’s 1200 providers, their workforce and the people they support, along with traditional and social media channels.
The campaign will warn the public that weakening the NDIS will have devastating impacts on the people with disability, their families and carers, the workers that support them and the Australian economy – which is bad for every Australian.
“We have been concerned to see the focus change over the past year from the benefits of the scheme to the cost, with ongoing attempts to restrict access to the scheme and reducing supports available.
“We are hearing many from people we support having their plans cut, while providers are seeing constant pressure to reduce the levels of support we provide under the NDIS.
“We will be seeking a commitment from all candidates in the upcoming election to keep the NDIS strong and reject calls for cuts to access and supports.”
The False Economy report is available on the campaign website, www.teamwork.org.au
