NDIS Overhaul: Capping Participants, Tightening Rules

0:00Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme is getting a major overhaul, announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler. The big goal is the cap participants as 600,000 by the end of the decade, down from a projected 900,000 that will trim costs to $55 billion in 2030, instead of $70 billion. Originally, the scheme was meant for about 410,000 people with disabilities. Eligibility rules are shifting from diagnosis lists to assessments of how disabilities affect daily living. Butler says those old lists were just temporary to launch the program, but they've led in folks it wasn't designed for. The government plans the team up with states and territories for local supports outside the NDIS. Meanwhile, the autism community is raising flags about unclear standardized testing for access. Critics worry it could lock out those who need help. To tighten things up, more providers face mandatory registration for high-risk stuff like personal care and daily living aids.

1:01Payments go digital for all providers, cutting fraud and organized crime. Officials say 90 percent of claims lack evidence right now, with criminals using kickbacks, threats, and laundering cash. Social and community participation funding gets a cut too, after reports of support workers ignoring clients for their phones. Costs hit $12 billion this year headed to $20 billion unchecked. A $200 million inclusive communities fund will boost local options instead. Changes head to parliament next month, aiming for better integrity overall. Sydney News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey, with the story.