Green light for Shorten’s NDIS changes after states agree on compromise
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The news: The states have agreed to a compromise over the government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) changes, paving the way for them to become law this week.
The context: NDIS Minister Bill Shorten announced on Wednesday that the states and territories had agreed to a number of amendments in order to back the plan, including faster timeframes in approving new rules relating to the scheme.
Five of Australia’s eight first ministers — the leaders of the states and territories — will also be needed to approve changes. Previously, changes required unanimous backing, giving each state and territory a veto.
South Australia Premier Peter Malinsasukas had been concerned about the proposal, fearing the Commonwealth would be granted too much power over the scheme.
Shorten accepted that Commonwealth-state negotiations were always “vexxed”, acknowledging premiers and chief ministers were feeling “constraints on their budgets”.
Shorten also recognised the “constructive” role played by the federal Coalition, who will back the bill in the Senate on Thursday afternoon.
The numbers: Total expenditure on the NDIS is expected to be $41.9 billion in 2023-24, and grow 11.6% the following financial year.
What they said: Announcing the deal, Shorten said: “The states and the federal government are getting their act together. People with disability and participants are not a political football”.
The source: Bill Shorten press conference
