Obese to ‘blame’ for blowout

THE minister responsible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme has blamed an uptick of Australia’s aged, autistic and obese people for the “unsustainable” rising costs of the service.

NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds on Monday warned the scheme would outstrip the cost of Medicare in less than two years if not brought into line.

“Five months ago, we thought the NDIS would overtake the cost of the Medicare in three years, but on the current rates, it will surpass Medicare in less than two years,” Senator Reynolds said.

Monthly data released by the agency that oversees the NDIS shows costs are 18 per cent higher than July last year.

More than 472,000 participants received $2.15bn in July.

Ms Reynolds said the scheme was “never intended” to serve all Australians who live with a disability.