Disability support groups say the low funding rate for providing care threaten the success of the NDIS, claiming the $41 hourly rate on offer will barely cover costs and result in fewer services and less qualified workers.
Services for some of Australia's most vulnerable people risk being wound back or even cancelled under a new pricing schedule released by the National Disability Insurance Agency which threatens to cut the wages of carers.
The NDIA price guide for two of the most commonly used services – assistance with personal care and help with community access – is set at $41.18 per hour but will fall to $39 per hour from next year when the NDIS starts rolling out more widely.
Serhat Oguz, chief executive of care provider the Windgap Foundation, said the new price guide would deter organisations from offering assistance services, used by an estimated 100,000 Australians with a disability.
"Service providers will decide not to participate in particular areas or face closure," he said.
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Date October 25 2015 Article by Rachel Browne -SMH- Social Affairs Reporter
