Bill Shorten, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme announced a 9% increase to  NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2022-23. This is a very welcome response from the new federal government which recognises the additional costs providers have had to bear during the pandemic as well as the costs of changes required of the sector by the NDIS reform process being led by Minister Shorten.

The pricing changes which take effect from 1 July include a 9 per cent increase in both provider prices and participant plans. This includes a temporary 12-month 2 per cent loading for providers and recognises the additional costs of compliance with Covid requirements which have been borne by providers, the increased costs providers are facing as a result of the Fair Work Commission decision increase in minimum award wages by 4.6 per cent, and the impacts of changes to the SCHADS award conditions.

In addition, Minister Shorten also announced $514 million for activity in the current financial year to support registered providers in quality and safeguarding costs and improving their business processes, for example with rostering systems.

The Federal Government is seeking in return a commitment from providers to the processes needed for NDIS reform such as changes to systems and business models.

Anowah welcomes this price increase and the Federal Governments commitment to supporting the NDIS and service providers.