Overview
- Mark Butler, speaking Friday, said significant NDIS reform is likely in the May 12 budget and he would not rule out means testing or co-contributions for wealthier recipients.
- The government has set a target to cut annual growth in the disability scheme to 5–6% as costs climb past $50 billion and forecasts point to $100 billion within a decade.
- Butler outlined two main levers under review, which are tightening eligibility for who enters the scheme or capping the cost of individual plan budgets.
- To shore up integrity, the government has spent more than $500 million on anti-fraud efforts and last month sought a new parliamentary inquiry into rorting.
- Disability advocates warn the overhaul push is unsettling and say people are already losing therapies, mobility aids and carers or paying legal fees to fight plan cuts.