Multicap welcomes new funding in the 2025–26 Australian Federal Budget, which includes significant measures to strengthen the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and enhance support for people with disabilities. The important work now needs to be done to ensure there is a National Agreement to enable these reforms to be delivered.
Key Budget measures relating to the NDIS include:
• Information, Linkages, and Capacity (ILC) Building Reform ($364.5 million over five years): Funding for projects that create connections between people with disability and their communities, build knowledge, and increase inclusion.
• Strengthening the Integrity of the NDIS ($175.4 million over four years): Funding to safeguard the NDIS from fraud and misuse while continuing to provide quality support for participants.
• National Autism Strategy ($42.2 million): Implementation of a national approach to services and supports for autistic people and their families.
• Accessible Australia Initiative ($17.1 million over four years): A new initiative that will contribute to the development of more inclusive national parks, beaches, and other public infrastructure.
Multicap CEO, Simon Wright, said it was encouraging to see a significant investment in a reform program that will improve consistency, quality and national coverage of community projects to support people with disability, their carers and families, as well as strengthen the integrity of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“The NDIS has empowered millions of Australians to have choice and control over their lives and it is critical that we continue to increase inclusion and maintain the integrity of the scheme,” said Simon.
Simon also welcomed additional funding to advance a new National Autism Strategy and Accessible Australia Initiative.
“We’re looking forward to seeing these initiatives take shape and delivering positive outcomes for the people we support.
“While the NDIS is a significant focus in the budget, other critical needs for people with disabilities were unfortunately overlooked. It’s disappointing that key areas affecting the lives of people with disabilities, such as housing availability and community supports for those without NDIS assistance, were not mentioned in the announcement.
“With the federal election now set for 3 May 2025, it is crucial that the incoming government addresses the important reforms highlighted in this budget,” said Simon.
For more information about Multicap’s services that are enhancing the lives of people with disability, visit our website.