Experts from three leading Australian universities agree that the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can stay on track with careful monitoring and evaluation of financing, costs, and benefits.
Associate Professor Leonie Tickle from Macquarie University said that although the NDIS is in its infancy, important early experience from the trial sites is being monitored and used to inform the wider rollout.
“What we can see in the quarterly scheme reports at this very early stage is that the number of participants, particularly low-cost participants, is lower than expected, and that current year costs for those joining the scheme in the first three quarters are within the funding allocation,” said Tickle.
Professor Richard Madden from the University of Sydney said with the 0.5% income levy starting on 1 July, the NDIS finances are assured for the next four years.
“The Budget test comes after that period, when the NDIS is fully rolled out. So we need to examine the emerging experience, learn and adjust, but also keep the long term financing needs front of mind in coming years.”
From the Australian National University, Professor Jim Butler said that despite the positive cost-benefit analysis of the scheme by the Productivity Commission in 2011 the reality will very much depend on how it is implemented.
“Whether the scheme passes the cost-benefit test in practice will depend upon the adequacy of cost controls in the scheme and the extent to which the potential benefits are realised.”
These actuarial and economics experts are part of a panel presenting at a forum on the costs and funding of the NDIS held jointly by Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and the Australian National University in Sydney on Wednesday 4 June. The forum will allow for the analysis of the 2014 Budget papers and scheme experience, and discuss the implications for service providers and for people with disability.
The new National Disability Insurance Scheme is anticipated to provide support to more than 400,000 Australians with disability, and will have a major impact on the Australian social and financial landscape.
Please see here for full event details, and to register.
Associate Professor Leonie Tickle from Macquarie University said that although the NDIS is in its infancy, important early experience from the trial sites is being monitored and used to inform the wider rollout.
“What we can see in the quarterly scheme reports at this very early stage is that the number of participants, particularly low-cost participants, is lower than expected, and that current year costs for those joining the scheme in the first three quarters are within the funding allocation,” said Tickle.
Professor Richard Madden from the University of Sydney said with the 0.5% income levy starting on 1 July, the NDIS finances are assured for the next four years.
“The Budget test comes after that period, when the NDIS is fully rolled out. So we need to examine the emerging experience, learn and adjust, but also keep the long term financing needs front of mind in coming years.”
From the Australian National University, Professor Jim Butler said that despite the positive cost-benefit analysis of the scheme by the Productivity Commission in 2011 the reality will very much depend on how it is implemented.
“Whether the scheme passes the cost-benefit test in practice will depend upon the adequacy of cost controls in the scheme and the extent to which the potential benefits are realised.”
These actuarial and economics experts are part of a panel presenting at a forum on the costs and funding of the NDIS held jointly by Macquarie University, the University of Sydney and the Australian National University in Sydney on Wednesday 4 June. The forum will allow for the analysis of the 2014 Budget papers and scheme experience, and discuss the implications for service providers and for people with disability.
The new National Disability Insurance Scheme is anticipated to provide support to more than 400,000 Australians with disability, and will have a major impact on the Australian social and financial landscape.
Please see here for full event details, and to register.
