Labor's Razor Gang Targets NDIS Cuts Ahead of 2023 Budget

Labor has quietly established a razor gang to drive budget savings in the national disability insurance scheme (NDIS), as it works to further rein in costs ahead of next month's federal budget.

An NDIS Sustainability Taskforce was established within the health department earlier this year, with instructions from the federal government and national cabinet to advise on cost-cutting options for the $52 billion program.

The taskforce is led by former Treasury official Anthea Long, who will provide recommendations to the government on ways to make the NDIS more sustainable and efficient. This comes as the government continues to grapple with the rising costs of the landmark disability scheme, which has seen its budget balloon since its inception in 2013.

While the government has stressed that it remains committed to the NDIS, the establishment of the razor gang suggests that cuts to the program may be on the table as part of efforts to rein in federal spending ahead of the May budget.

The NDIS has faced criticism in recent years for its growing costs and administrative complexity, with calls for reforms to ensure the scheme's long-term sustainability. The government has already taken steps to tighten eligibility criteria and review participant plans in an effort to curb expenditure.

The NDIS Sustainability Taskforce is expected to provide its recommendations to the government in the coming weeks, ahead of the May budget. The government has pledged to carefully consider the taskforce's findings as it looks to balance the need for fiscal responsibility with the vital support the NDIS provides to Australians with disabilities.