Labor to tighten child NDIS eligibility to curb spending as Queensland MP warns change is ‘failing kids’
Summary
The Australian Labor government plans to tighten rules for children under 18 using the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and require character checks for service providers to reduce program costs. These changes face criticism from Queensland and others who worry families and vulnerable children will be negatively affected.Key Facts
- The NDIS is a $50 billion program supporting people with disabilities in Australia.
- Labor intends to tighten eligibility for children under 18 and introduce character checks for service providers.
- The scheme’s costs grew over 10% last year and are expected to reach nearly $96 billion by 2034-35.
- The changes aim to limit growth in spending to 5-6% annually.
- Queensland’s disability minister was excluded from a briefing on these changes, causing tension with the federal government.
- Critics say the changes may harm children and families relying on long-term disability care.
- About 52% of NDIS participants are children, but they receive only 19% of payments.
- The reforms follow a review recommending updates to keep the scheme focused on severe, permanent disabilities.
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