Youngcare extends our congratulations to Amanda Rishworth on her appointment as the new Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). We are excited to work alongside Minister Rishworth to continue advocating for young people with complex and permanent physical disabilities. The NDIS is a vital service for many Australians, and we look forward to collaborating with the Minister to ensure the scheme remains responsive, effective, and truly person-centred.
We also want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Bill Shorten for his significant work and unwavering commitment to the NDIS. As the previous Minister for the NDIS, Mr. Shorten played a pivotal role in shaping the scheme, and his efforts have made a profound impact on the lives of many Australians living with disability. We appreciate his leadership and dedication to ensuring that the NDIS continues to evolve and support those who rely on it.
At Youngcare, we are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for young Australians with disability, especially those living with complex and permanent physical disabilities. In Australia, 4.4 million people live with disability and 2.5 million are under the age of 65. Tragically, adults with a profound disability are 12 times more likely to experience a very high level of psychological distress than people without a disability.
Of the 22,022 NDIS participants in Australia with funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in their NDIS plan, 7,934 (or 36%) are not using their SDA funding. For these individuals, access to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is critical, yet the current supply of SDA housing falls significantly short of demand. A fraction of the accommodation options available meet the complex needs of these young Australians. This shortage is a significant barrier to independence, with many facing lengthy waits for suitable housing that can support their physical and emotional wellbeing.
The struggles faced by individuals with complex and permanent physical disabilities extend beyond just housing—they also face daily challenges in accessing the care, services, and opportunities they need to live fulfilling lives. These barriers reinforce the importance of ensuring the NDIS is continually refined to meet their needs.
We are confident that under Minister Rishworth’s leadership, there will be meaningful progress toward addressing these gaps and improving outcomes for young people with disability across the country. We are eager to contribute to the ongoing conversation and work together to ensure that young Australians with disability can access the services and housing that promote independence, dignity, and inclusion.
Once again, congratulations, Minister Rishworth. We look forward to a productive and impactful partnership.
The Youngcare Team