NDIS Cuts vs Gas Tax: A Fair Budget Debate

0:00Australia's national disability insurance scheme is facing big cuts with plans to remove at least 160,000 people and save. Billions, officials blame for all for the cost blowout, but let a writer say, nah, its privatization baked into the system. Support workers charge over $70 an hour, yet most get just under $25. The rest is pure profit for companies. The pricing guide runs over 100 pages and hikes rates every six months. Requiring all providers to register with the agency will push folks toward big firms, killing choice for direct hires. That hits hard for people with complex mental health needs who thrive on trusted, consistent cares, not rotating company staff. Reactions are heated. Disability advocates warn cuts will force more into understaff care homes stressing independent living. Provide his barely check on clients, just invoice carers, skimming funds while doing little. One writer calls it a feeding frenzy on a noble goal, undercutting old community services like meals on wheels.

1:05Instead of slashing NDIS, why not tax gas exports? Multinational's pocketed $149 billion over four years from our resources paying less tax than Japan does on imports. Even bank CEOs and some MPs back at 25% levy could plug holes without hurting the vulnerable. Labor showing guts on NDIS sustainability, but the real test is balancing budgets fairly, rethinking privatization profits and untapped revenues, like gas. Listeners, this debate is just heating up as the May budget looms. That's your update from Sydney News today, powered by AI.