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Physical Disability Australia supports an evidence-based Annual Pricing Review, but pricing reform must be judged by its effect on participants’ access, safety, choice and purchasing power. For people with physical disability, particularly those with high and complex daily support needs, price settings determine whether essential support hours, skilled workers, therapy, accessible accommodation and continuity of care remain available.
Based on feedback from a 10 person online discussion group, and recent feedback from our members on NDIS processes, Physical Disability Australia supports targeted improvements where they strengthen transparency, workforce viability and service quality. However, it does not support reforms that reduce effective plan value, shift costs to participants, or introduce price reductions without adequate evidence and transition protection.
• Protect plan purchasing power.
• Recognise skill, intensity and continuity.
• Safeguard accessible Short Term Accommodation.
• Apply therapy reform cautiously.
• Value complex coordination and plan management.
• Do not implement participation pricing differentiation as drafted. Any change should be piloted, independently evaluated and include continuity safeguards.
• Strengthen thin-market responses.
PDA’s central request is that no participant be left with fewer essential supports because a price, claiming structure or provider classification changes. Reforms should be co-designed with people with disability, introduced with adequate notice, supported by published assumptions and local monitoring, and reviewed promptly where access or continuity deteriorates. We have outlined eight recommendations that will support this review in achieving its goals while at the same time protecting the people it is intended to serve.
Read our full submission here NDIA Annual Pricing Reform Response
