McCallum Disability Services notes the Federal Government’s announcement of major NDIS reforms which
were outlined on Wednesday. While there is a lot of detail yet to be provided, the announced changes,
including a new national functional assessment, expanded provider registration requirements and a
planned reduction in participant numbers, has the potential to have significant implications for people with
disability across Ballarat and surrounding regional communities.
McCallum welcomes the Federal Government’s intention to strengthen NDIS provider registration requirements.
Ensuring more supports are delivered by registered providers is an important step toward safeguarding
quality and consistency for people with disability and aligns with the organisation’s long‑held commitment
to delivering safe, high‑quality services.
According to Ballarat Foundation’s Vital Signs 2025 report, approximately 16% of people in Ballarat live with
a disability and 7% require assistance with daily life. In a population of around 121,000, this equates to
nearly 30,000 people living with disability and needing daily support. These figures highlight the importance
of ensuring that any national changes consider the realities of regional service access and the high reliance
on local providers.
The government also signaled an intention to limit the cost of social and community participation supports.
Any reduction in these supports will affect how people engage in everyday life, particularly in regional areas
where service options are already limited. The announcement referenced an Inclusive Communities Fund
and McCallum will be watching closely to understand how this initiative may fill gaps created by changes to
NDIS‑funded supports.
McCallum CEO, Rhiannon Williams, said the organisation’s focus remains firmly on the people it supports.
“Reform is necessary, and we support the goal of bringing the scheme back to its original intent, but it must
be done in a way that safeguards people with disability, especially those in regional communities who
already face limited service options. Our priority, as we seek more information, is to stand alongside
participants, help them navigate these changes and advocate for those whose needs place them at greatest
risk.”
McCallum welcomes any opportunity to participate in consultation about future design of the scheme and
will represent the needs of people across the region to ensure they are not left behind and are considered in
implementation plans. McCallum has been part of this community, supporting people with disability to live
their best lives, for more than 70 years and that commitment will not change.
