Doubts on NDIS funding

Advocates raise spectre of waiting lists

A GEELONG disability advocate fears any shortfall in NDIS funding could eventually force locals back on to lengthy waiting lists to access services.

Question marks surround the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme after Treasurer Scott Morrison announced the Government was ditching a plan to increase the Medicare levy, which would have fully funded the scheme.

The announcement has raised concern, with disability sector representatives saying they felt betrayed by the decision.

Geelong-based disability advocate Jacqui Pierce said she was worried any deficit in funding could have a negative impact on those wishing to access the scheme.

“I can see that if we don’t fully fund the NDIS, that there may come a time when the program has to be capped,” Ms Pierce said. “That would mean having to go back to the old days of people sitting on waiting lists for months and years just to access the scheme.”

She said the NDIS was changing people’s lives for the better and called for clarity on funding.

“The Productivity Commission report — which led to the NDIS in the first place — continually told us Australia was wealthy enough to afford to run the NDIS without any additional levies or increased taxes,” she said.

“So I’m not sure why now, five years on, we’re being told a different message.”

People with Disability Australia co-chief Therese Sands said the Government’s announcement only guaranteed funding for the NDIS for this Budget but would not lock in funding for the future.

“We are now left to go cap in hand, like charity cases, at each and every budget. This is unacceptable,” Ms Sands said.

But Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen welcomed Mr Morrison’s announcement, saying the Government should not have proposed a levy hike.

Mr Bowen pledged that Labor would always ensure the NDIS was funded.

Mr Morrison will reveal further detail about how the Government will fund the NDIS in the Budget on May 8.

Works continue on a $120 million project to build the National Disability Insurance Agency’s headquarters on Malop St.

The nine-level development will accommodate 560 NDIA workers.

It is understood the decision to scrap the increased Medicare levy will have no impact on the project, with it due to be completed later this year.