NDIS Quarterly Report (1 Oct - 31 Dec 2024): Key Highlights for Providers

Key Data Highlights

  • 692,823 participants received NDIS support as of 31 December 2024.

  • 19,398 new participants joined the NDIS this quarter, including:

    • 9.7% identifying as First Nations peoples

    • 7% from culturally and linguistically diverse communities

    • 2% from remote or very remote areas

  • 7,310 home and living applications were finalised, with 95% completed within 90 days.

  • Employment and social participation rates have increased, with young people in particular benefiting from NDIS support.

  • Complaints have decreased, indicating improved NDIA processes and participant experiences.

  • National Contact Centre (NCC) improvements include a faster response time, with 67% of calls answered within 60 seconds.


NDIS Growth & Participant Support
The NDIS continues to expand. As of 31 December 2024, the Scheme is providing disability-related supports to 692,823 Australians—a 1.9% increase from the previous quarter. 19,938 new participants joined the NDIS during this period.


Legislative Reforms
Key legislative changes are influencing Scheme sustainability and participant outcomes:

  • New Laws in Action:
    The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill, passed in August 2024, came into effect on 3 October 2024 to ensure a participant-first approach and a sustainable NDIS.

  • Clearer Funding Rules:
    New definitions of ‘NDIS support’ provide more clarity for participants and providers on how funding can be used.

  • Ongoing Consultation:
    Engagement with the disability community, including 70+ co-design sessions with 620+ participants and 30 targeted consultations with 90 external stakeholders, continues to shape reforms.

  • Cost Growth Stabilisation:
    The report indicates financial trends showing a stabilisation of Scheme cost growth.


Participant Outcomes
Participants are experiencing changes in key areas:

  • Community Engagement: 43% of participants (15+) reported increased involvement in social and community activities after two years in the NDIS.

  • Employment Rates: Employment rates for participants aged 15–24 have increased from 10% at baseline to 23% at reassessment.

  • Family Employment: Paid employment among families and carers increased from 47% to 52% over two years.

  • Choice and Control: 80% of participants (15+) reported having more autonomy in their lives, up from 67% at NDIS entry.


Financial Overview

  • Total NDIS expenses of $22.9 billion were $390 million below projections.

  • Year-on-year NDIS growth decreased to 11.9%, moving towards the 8% target by 2026–27.

  • Projected Scheme expenses for FY2024–25 are $600 million less than budgeted, primarily due to changes that reduce plan inflation and manage plan budgets.


Early Childhood & Workforce Development

  • Early Childhood Support: A $4.527 million investment over two years will support the development of an early childhood pathway for children under 9, focusing on early intervention.

  • Workforce Development: A $280 million initiative aims to create a dedicated workforce for strengths-based assessments, ensuring a consistent participant planning process.


NDIA Performance Updates

  • Service Timelines: 74% of complaints were resolved within 21 days, up from 54% in the previous quarter.

  • Additional Staff: 800+ frontline staff have been added to reduce waiting times and improve service access.

  • System Enhancements: Automatic plan extensions are now in place to prevent support gaps for participants.


Fraud Prevention & Participant Protection

  • Fraud Prevention: An additional $110.4 million was allocated in November 2024 to enhance fraud prevention systems.

  • Participant Protection: The NDIA has identified and supported 15,000+ participants affected by fraudulent providers, assisting them in transitioning to safer service arrangements.


Inclusion & Diversity Initiatives

  • Workplace Accessibility: The NDIA has launched a Disability Action Plan, introducing initiatives such as Project Sunflower and an Auslan interpreter pilot program.

  • First Nations Leadership: A First Nations Reference Group, composed of First Nations people with disabilities, will meet in February 2025 to contribute to culturally inclusive policy development.

Full NDIS Quarterly Report
For more details, access the full report here.

 

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