The NDIA would like to reassure people with disability in the Northern Territory, their families and carers, that any person eligible for the NDIS will continue to receive the reasonable and necessary supports they need.
The NDIS is already providing support to over 250,000 Australians with a disability, including over 2,100 people in the Northern Territory (includes Early Childhood Early Intervention and as at 31 December 2018). In the Northern Territory, more participants have had plan funding increases than plan funding reductions.
NDIS participants receive funding for the reasonable and necessary disability-related supports they require to assist them to live an independent life and participate in their community. This means that the funds in a participant’s NDIS plan are not linked to the services in their region, but rather to the supports, activities and technology they require to achieve their individual goals and aspirations.
As part of the NDIA’s role as market steward, we are actively monitoring and analysing the growth of the disability services market and, where necessary, intervening to help all NDIS participants access quality support services, regardless of where they live. This is particularly important during the transition period as the market grows and evolves.
The NDIA recognises delivering the NDIS will be a different experience in rural and remote communities, compared to other areas. These are not unknown challenges for government services more generally.
The Northern Territory has experienced one of the highest levels of growth in active providers, with a 23 per cent increase on the previous quarter. As at 31 December 2018, there are 707 registered providers in the Territory.
Participants with concerns about their plans are encouraged to contact the NDIA.
