Election scorecard
Before you head to the polls, find out how the major parties’ policies on the NDIS stack up.
The NDIS was a game changer – but right now it’s at a crossroads.
Before you head to the polls, find out how the parties’ policies on disability stack up.
The Teamwork Works election scorecard is based on the following information:
- ALP policy announcements A Better Future for the NDIS and Better Support for People Living with Disability
- The Greens Accessible Australia policy
- Liberal-National Coalition announcements on Minister Reynold’s web site
As the Liberal-National Coalition has not released an election policy statement on disability, we have based our assessment on government announcements in the lead up to the election, including the Federal Budget and recent legislation on disability.
The Teamwork Works campaign has been calling on all parties contesting the election to commit to:
- Proper Planning – so people with disability have the resources they need to build the right team for them.
- Fair and Independent Pricing – so providers can deliver the services people with disability need.
- Genuine Partnership – a real commitment from the Federal Government to work with participants and providers to build a scheme that delivers long-term support.
On cuts to plans, the ALP has promised to introduce an Expert Review that will guarantee plans are not being unfairly reduced. The Greens have committed to a NDIS that is transparent, consultative, and accountable.
On pricing, Labor has committed to a review of NDIS pricing. However, no party has promised the independent pricing mechanism that service providers need for a fairer system.
On partnership, the ALP has made a key commitment to include service providers as part of NDIS co-design processes, along with people with disability, their families and carers, and workers. This is crucial to ensuring better scheme that works for everyone.
The Coalition has committed to fully fund the NDIS, and in the recent Federal Budget committed to increase funding to $46 billion over the next four years.
In other disability policy highlights, all three parties have committed to much-needed additional resources for advocacy, and to support a National Autism Strategy. No party has committed to future compensation to service providers to cover the additional costs caused by the pandemic.
In home and living support, the Coalition government announced changes to Supported Independent Living (SIL), while the ALP has promised to pause the current changes to SIL and investigate the $500 million Specialist Disability Accommodation underspend. The Greens have promised to invest in accessible housing solutions.
On disability workforce, the Coalition government has the current NDIS National Workforce Plan, while the ALP had committed to fee-free TAFE places.
For disability employment, the ALP would establish the Centre for Excellence in Disability Employment. The Greens have committed to a National Jobs Plan, including a 20 per cent quota for people with disability in the Australian public service.
Authorised by Andrew Beswick, National Disability Services, Level 3, 369 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052.
