Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The NDIS supports over 700,000 Australians living with a disability and is expected to cost the Australian taxpayer $58 billion by 2028. The government says they are reining in costs and fraud—mm-hm! But a story last week in the Advocate newspaper in my backyard clearly shows there is much work to be done.

The story was about Cradle Coast Care. A small NDIS provider on the north-west coast, this outfit has fewer than 50 client, but they are making so much money that they are one of the major sponsors of local sport. Last week the Cradle Coast Care chief executive and Waratah-Wynyard councillor Dillon Roberts confirmed his company has provided over $20,000 in sponsorships to clubs this financial year with further funding expected. The chairman of Cradle Coast Care confirmed that this small NDIS provider made $1.9 million from the NDIS in 2024-25 and was projected to take in $2.4 million by the end of 2025-26 for 50 participants. Goodness me.

The Advocate made it very clear they weren't suggesting that Cradle Coast Care or its directors are doing anything improper, but, to me, there is something very wrong with this picture. Why is a small provider making so much cash that they can support sporting clubs? Meanwhile, veterans on the north-west coast struggle to get access to allied health providers like occupational therapists because DVA doesn't pay the same rates as the NDIS. Recommendation 71 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide said that DVA's fees should align with the NDIS. Minister Keogh has said that he supports the implementation of that recommendation. Well, why haven't you done it yet, mate? You've had two years. I have an amendment that will fix this, and I hope the minister will take this opportunity. The NDIS is a lifeline for many Australians, and I support it, but the money needs to be targeted so that it goes to those who need it. Right now, your party over there is failing to get the job done.

Varun Ghosh (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Thorpe.

Jacqui Lambie (Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie Network) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's in the paper. Go read it.

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Everything is in the paper.

Varun Ghosh (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senators! Senator Cox and Senator Lambie, you are now cutting into other people's time. Please show respect to other senators.