Fatima Payman (WA, Australia's Voice) Share this | Hansard source

We regard ourselves as a compassionate country. In no field is this more evident than in disability support. I want to thank the thousands of Aussies out there who work every day to improve the lives of our most vulnerable. When it comes to our disability support workers, they really do demonstrate the best aspects of Australia. Unfortunately, the government has not demonstrated the sort of selflessness that these workers have.

I'd like to read a few passages from a report by Professionals Australia on attitudes towards the NDIS:

Speech pathologists described clients with complex swallowing disorders left with three hours of therapy per quarter, 'We're watching people deteriorate because we can't give them the hours they need.'

For these workers, what they do isn't just a job; it's a labour of love. The report states:

'We're not here to make a quick buck,' one clinician said. 'We're here because we love the people we work with.'

Running an allied health business under the NDIS is no longer viable for many. Owners described mortgaging homes, selling property, or taking out personal loans just to keep their doors open. Some have not paid themselves a wage in over a year.

A big part of why these workers are struggling is the lack of certainty surrounding the scheme. The report continues:

'Every time there's a government announcement, we panic,' said a therapist. 'Will this be a change that kills our business?'

For participants, this uncertainty can be difficult to understand and distressing. These professionals and their clients must be able to rely on the NDIS. Underpinning that reliability must be a foundation of policy certainty. Without that, the NDIS will not be able to do what it was established to do: meet the needs of disabled Australians in a way that truly supports them to live with choice and dignity.