Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Last week in Rockhampton, providers from across Central Queensland came together for an important NDIS provider forum which I was proud to co-host with the shadow assistant minister for the NDIS, Phil Thompson MP. The theme of the day, 'Sharing challenges, shaping solutions', gave frontline providers a desperately needed opportunity to speak about the reforms they need. Providers know better than anyone where the system is working and where it is falling short. We heard reports of NDIS participants being dumped at hospitals because of the lack of resourcing. Recent changes to pricing structures, coupled with growing pressures across the sector, are causing confusion, delays and inconsistency in service and, importantly, are putting lives at risk.

In regional communities like Capricornia, these challenges are amplified and deeply felt. Workforce shortages, extensive travel requirements and rising operational costs continue to place strain on local organisations. Our providers want to deliver the best support, but they need a system that enables, not restricts, their work. The insights gathered in Rockhampton will play a vital role in shaping the coalition's ongoing work to strengthen the NDIS, ensuring it remains sustainable, fair and, above all, centred on the needs of participants.

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