Federal Government plans to inject billions of dollars into the NDIS budget – so what does it mean?
The Australian Federal Government has announced an increase in support for the NDIS in the 2021 federal budget.
There were doubts the NDIS would receive funding in the 2021 federal budget.
Just months ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that while some argue “the sky should be the limit” for NDIS funding “that is not a realistic objective”.
However, in an unexpected (but well deserved) turn of events, the NDIS will receive an additional $13.2 billion from the Australian Federal Government over the next four years.
With this announcement comes the news that since 2013-2014, the NDIS has grown from a trial of just over 7,000 to around 450,000 Australians. More than half of participants are receiving support for the first time.
Image: Budget 2021-2022
In total, funding is expected to grow to $122 billion over the next four year with more contributions from the Commonwealth as well as the states and territories. This is excellent news as more people with significant and/or permanent disabilities benefit from the scheme.
But what else does the 2021 federal budget mean for the NDIS sector? In this article, we take a closer look at the budget and all the details you need to know.
Targeted support early in life for young children
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As part of the new NDIS budget, $17.9 billion will be funnelled into early intervention services for young children with a disability or developmental concerns.
The funding will ensure children and their families can establish an early connection with mainstream and community support services like workshops and supported playgroups to help children develop the skills and confidence they will need later in life.
Removing barriers into the workforce
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The Federal Government is committed to giving Australians with disabilities control over how they receive services. From January 1st 2022, people who are eligible for Disability Employment Services and are job-ready can choose to participate in digital services.
The opt-in approach will allow eligible job seekers to have greater agency.
What it means for NDIS service providers
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More NDIS funding means more individuals living with a disability can access NDIS supports and services. If your business is an NDIS Registered Provider, this could mean you may have more clients and customers looking for quality services and supports.
All NDIS providers are required to be registered by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide supports and services to NDIS participants.
The Commission was established to provide independent regulation and improve the quality and safety of care delivered by NDIS Registered Providers. It also ensures NDIS Registered Providers are meeting the NDIS Practice Standards and registration requirements.
As an NDIS Registered Provider, you can display the official logo, demonstrating that you have met the strict NDIS registration requirements.
How QMS can assist with your NDIS Registration
All NDIS service providers seeking NDIS registration will need to pass an audit against the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. Your business will need to demonstrate compliance and show how your business meets those requirements during the assessment process.
There are two ways to assess whether a service provider meets the relevant NDIS Practice Standards.
- Verification: This applies to low risk and low complexity services. You will need to supply documentation against the four outcomes within the Verification Module of the NDIS Practice Standards. Verification Audits are desktop audits and can usually be done off-site.
- Certification: For high risk, complex services and supports. A certification audit will be required to examine your operational management processes and your ability to deliver safe and quality services.
When you apply to the NDIS Commission to become a registered provider, the NDIS Commission will provide you with an initial scope of audit document to provide to your Approved Quality Auditor.
QMS will then provide you with a competitive quote based on your Initial Scope of Audit document.
QMS will complete a thorough audit of your business against the requirements of the NDIS Practice Standards.
On successful completion of your audit, QMS will make a recommendation to the NDIS Commission for you to become an NDIS Registered Provider.
Get in touch with QMS today for a detailed discussion and quote based on your requirements.
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