NDIS overpricing hurts disabled Australians more than fraud does
A personal account of the author's twin sister living with Parkinson's disease and relying on the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) for care. While the scheme has been vital for her quality of life, the article highlights systemic profiteering — illustrated by a $100 government payment for a simple mat that costs $5 elsewhere. The piece argues that everyday overpricing and waste, not just fraud, threaten the scheme's sustainability.
Key quotes
Devastating hardly covers the effect that a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease had on my dear twin sister when she was in her late 40s.
Every small task for her is frustratingly difficult or impossible now – moving, eating, washing, dressing, reading.
But the one thing that has made her life bearable, so far, has been the assistance and companionship she receives from carers funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
For all the talk of fraud and fakes, it’s everyday profiteering that threatens this vital scheme.
People like my twin sister need precious NDIS dollars to work for them.
From the article
For all the talk of fraud and fakes, it’s everyday profiteering that threatens this vital scheme. People like my twin sister need precious NDIS dollars to work for them.
Continue reading on theage.com.au
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