Towards a Fair Go: Design Challenges for an NDIS

This paper, Towards a Fair Go: design challenges for an NDIS, proposes a high-level outline for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and improved coverage within existing accident insurance programs. It examines the barriers to the provision of adequate care and support to people with disabilities in Australia. The NDIS presented here would cover all Australians under 65 with permanent severe or profound disability and provide them with funding for timely access to care and support, therapy, equipment, home and vehicle alterations and periodic respite. It would be funded through a Disability Levy similar to the Medicare levy, with revenues hypothecated into a dedicated insurance pool. The NDIS would be a hybrid scheme, offering no-fault minimum coverage without diminution of common law rights. The annual net cost of this scheme would be around $6.6 billion. The scheme would involve a great deal of debate and political commitment to be implemented.