Arabic version: باتلر يدافع عن إصلاحات NDIS، مفتوح لتعديلات مستقبلية

Health Minister Mark Butler has responded to criticisms from state and territory disability ministers regarding proposed cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). He labeled the criticism as “extraordinary,” considering that the states had previously signed off on a plan to reduce spending. According to ABC News, Butler reassured that individuals with disabilities would not be left without support despite the planned changes.

The government aims to save $35 billion over the next decade, with Treasury modelling indicating that more than 240,000 people are expected to exit the scheme within four years. Butler’s comments come as a Senate inquiry continues to gather feedback, having received more than 4,000 public submissions in just over a fortnight. Concerns have been raised about the potential risks to individuals with disabilities if adequate services are not established in time.

State and territory ministers have warned that without a “careful, coordinated approach,” many individuals could find themselves without necessary services or placed in inappropriate settings. They emphasized that the current framework lacks the necessary agreements to provide equivalent services to those exiting the NDIS.

Butler countered the states’ concerns, asserting that the commitments made by the premiers were clear and linked to a significant funding boost for hospitals. He expressed uncertainty about whether the states’ criticisms were an attempt to secure additional funding.

While Butler affirmed that he is open to constructive changes to the NDIS, he believes the current direction is appropriate. He stated that he would wait for the Senate inquiry report, expected soon, before considering any adjustments. “The direction of travel… to secure this incredibly important social program for the future, I’m convinced is the right direction of travel,” he said.