NDIS 2.0 A New Hope

Media Release 18 October 2022

The Albanese Government has today launched an Independent Review into the NDIS to improve the wellbeing of Australians with disability and ensure the Scheme’s sustainability so that future generations receive the benefit of the NDIS. The NDIS Review delivers on Labor’s election commitment to review NDIS design, operation and sustainability to get the NDIS back on track. The NDIS Review will strengthen the NDIS and ensure the Scheme is working effectively to deliver services and supports to people with disability. The Independent Review Panel comprises of Co-Chairs Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM and Panel Members Mr Kevin Cocks AM, Ms Judy Brewer AO, Dr Stephen King, Mr Dougie Herd and Ms Kirsten Deane OAM. Part 1 of the NDIS Review, which will be led by Dr Bruce Bonyhady AM, will examine the design, operation and sustainability of the Scheme. Part 2 of the NDIS Review, which will be led by Ms Lisa Paul AO, will analyse ways to build a more responsive, supportive, and sustainable market and workforce. “The NDIS Review will help us make the NDIS a world-class scheme to improve outcomes for people with a permanent and significant disability so they can live an ordinary life,” Minister Shorten said. “The Review will also reduce the needless waste happening in the NDIS to ensure it is a world leading Scheme changing the lives of people with disability. “Labor’s NDIS Review will restore the Australian community’s trust and confidence in this critically important scheme. We will take into account what people already said even if it was not acted on previously.” “It will apply best-practice policy design that supports people with disability through genuine engagement and co-design with people with a lived experience. We will bring people into the tent. “The NDIS Review will examine the market and workforce opportunities to break-down barriers that prevent people with disability from achieving their life goals and participating in social and economic life.” A final Report, including opportunities for reform, will be delivered by the Independent Review Panel to Disability Reform Ministers by no later than the end of October 2023. However as consensus emerges around reforms, changes may be enacted well before the final Report. Minister Shorten emphasised the review will be guided by Australia’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights, Australia's Disability Strategy 2021-31 and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. “We want a Scheme that is sustainable and efficient while delivering for people with disability,” he said