Advocating for Change: Our Submission to the NDIS Independent Pricing Committee

At Endeavour Foundation, we are committed to advocating for the rights and needs of people with disability.

We recognise the critical role of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in creating a more inclusive Australia.

Recently, we had the opportunity to submit our feedback to the NDIS Independent Pricing Committee, a body tasked with reviewing and advising on the pricing framework that underpins this important scheme.

Our submission reflects our concerns and insights regarding the current pricing model, which we believe must be improved to ensure fair and sustainable outcomes for people with disability.

In this article, we outline our key concerns, share our mission as an organisation and discuss the changes we believe are necessary to foster a stronger, more effective disability services market.

Your support is vital as we strive for a system that truly empowers people with disability to lead fulfilling lives.

We invite you to read our full submission (PDF) to gain a deeper understanding of our position and the necessary reforms for a more equitable system.

About Us

Established in 1951, Endeavour Foundation is an independent, purpose-driven organisation dedicated to empowering people with disability, particularly those with intellectual disability. We support:

• 520 individuals in accommodation services
• 890+ individuals in learning and life skills programs
• 470 individuals through in-home support and community access

With 24 Learning and Lifestyle hubs across Queensland, plus additional hubs in New South Wales and Victoria, we are committed to making a positive impact.

We also provide jobs for over 1,700 people with disability across 18 social enterprises – known as Business Solutions – in Queensland and six in New South Wales and Victoria.

Additionally, we manage the Defence Assistance Program (DAP), employing 115 individuals in Defence facilities across Australia.

These roles offer not just income, but vital skill development and a sense of belonging.

Key Concerns with NDIS Pricing

The NDIS is a groundbreaking initiative that helps individuals with disability live fulfilling lives.

However, we have concerns about the current pricing model:

1. Limited Outcomes: The existing pricing model does not adequately support positive participant outcomes or high-quality services.
2. Conflicts of Interest: The NDIA’s role in setting prices can conflict with its responsibility to manage the scheme effectively.
3. Innovation Stifling: Poorly managed price controls can hinder innovation and service reform.
4. Market Stability: The current framework fails to maintain a stable market for quality support services.
5. Need for Independence: We support establishing an Independent Pricing Authority, separate from the NDIA, to improve pricing transparency.
6. Differential Pricing: A pricing model that distinguishes between registered and unregistered providers would enhance participant choice and service quality.
7. Financial Strain: Registered therapy and support coordination providers have not seen CPI increases for years, leading to financial pressure.
8. Support for Complex Needs: The current pricing model does not adequately reflect the costs associated with providing complex support.
9. Immediate Support Needed: Registered providers require financial support to remain sustainable while longer-term reforms are developed.
10. Fragmented Services: The way supports are segmented in participant plans can lead to a lack of coordination.
11. Quality Incentives: Current pricing does not reward quality services and may inadvertently promote lower standards.
12. Market Adaptation: Adjustments to pricing do not reflect real market changes, such as salary increases.
13. Clarity Needed: Inconsistent pricing arrangements create confusion; clear guidance is essential.
14. Predictability: Unpredictable annual updates hinder effective planning and budgeting for organisations.
15. Price Increases: Any price increases should be fully passed on to participant plans to avoid fund exhaustion.
16. Sector Transformation: A dedicated transformation package is needed for sustainable, quality-driven disability services.

We believe that effective price controls can foster fairness and sustainability when combined with other market tools such as targeted subsidies and capacity-building initiatives.

More Information

For a comprehensive overview of our insights and the key reforms we advocate for, access our full submission.

Download the full submission here (PDF).