Trouble in paradise: ACT’s Labor-Greens coalition splits on NDIS

The Labor-Greens ACT government has split on Anthony Albanese’s goal to halve the yearly spending growth of the NDIS by 2025.

ACT Disability Minister Emma Davidson has broken ranks with Chief Minister Andrew Barr in opposing the funding cap for the NDIS. Picture: Facebook

The Labor-Greens ACT government has split on Anthony Albanese’s goal to halve the yearly spending growth of the NDIS by 2025, in a move that undermines the national cabinet commitment to rein in spending.

Despite Chief Minister Andrew Barr endorsing the 8 per cent funding growth target in national cabinet, ACT Disability Minister Emma Davidson has broken ranks and vowed to speak out against reforms to the NDIS that would “halve its growth trajectory”.

The release of the NDIS review will likely be delayed until at least December, with the report expected to outline recommendations on how the NDIS should be reformed to make it sustainable.

The funding cap has raised questions from disability advocates over whether there are plans to tighten eligibility or narrow the definition of what constitutes “reasonable and necessary” support for disabled people.

“Any redefining of ‘reasonable and necessary’ must not restrict people’s access to the services they need based on medical models of disability without consideration of the differing social needs of individuals,” Ms Davidson said.

“The only acceptable way to go about redefining anything in NDIS legislation is with the disability community at the table. Attempts by successive federal governments, both Liberal and Labor, to reframe the NDIS as a cost burden are disgraceful.”

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman

Federal NDIS Minister Bill Shorten tried to hose down the contribution from Ms Davidson.

“Minister Davidson has not said this to me and has, in fact, said she is committed to working with everyone at the table,” he said. “I have spoken to Andrew Barr (last week) and he has said the ACT government is committed to the 8 per cent target and reforming the NDIS in the best interests of participants and returning the scheme to its original purpose.”

When asked if the Chief Minister agreed with Ms Davidson’s concerns, a spokeswoman from the ACT government said the Territory was committed to the NDIS Financial Sustainability Framework, which lays out the 8 per cent target.

“Like all state and territory governments, we want to ensure the NDIS can continue to provide life-changing outcomes for future generations of Australians with disability,” the spokeswoman said.

She also revealed state and territory treasurers would discuss reforms posed in the NDIS review – which Mr Shorten has maintained will be handed to disability ministers by the “end of October” – and provide their advice on the matter to national cabinet.