The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is in need of significant reform to ensure its sustainability, according to the Albanese government. 

The NDIS was established by Labor during the party’s previous period in power, and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who helped create the scheme, has acknowledged that it has “lost its way”. 

Speaking to the National Press Club this week, Shorten’s speech says that while the NDIS remains “here to stay”, it requires a “reboot”. 

Changes to the system could include more results-focused funding and longer-term plans for participants. 

Other problems identified by Shorten include fraudulent service providers using disabled people as “cash cows” and concerns over the accuracy of autism diagnoses. 

The NDIS is already costing $35.5 billion in 2022 and is the second-fastest growing demand on the budget, after interest payments on debt.