The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers First Nations participants more choice, control and access to tailored supports that most effectively meet their needs.
Eight per cent of NDIS participants are First Nations Australians, but the number of First Nations providers of disability services is proportionately much lower.
To improve outcomes for Indigenous participants and their families, it's vital to embed the expertise and lived experience of First Nations people within support provider organisations.
This is why the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is opening consultation on a new strategy - known as The First Nations Market and Sector Development Strategy - to deliver:
- more Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal Business Enterprises successfully operating in the NDIS market
- better access for First Nations participants to NDIS supports in or near their communities
- improved outcomes by providing increased choice and control for First Nations participants.
This strategy helps to deliver priorities outlined in the NDIS First Nations Strategy 2025-30, released in January.
First Nations and non-Indigenous providers, participants and the disability community are invited to provide feedback on the plan.
A discussion paper has been released on NDIS Engage . Providers can also register their interest to take part in roundtables being held across the country in November and December.
Quotes Attributable to Senator Jenny McAllister, Minster for the NDIS:
"We know how important it is for First Nations Australians with disability to be able to access supports, which are designed to look after their individual needs."
"That's why we want to see a big boost to the number of First Nations owned and operated NDIS providers.
"This is about making sure that the NDIS is as effective, empowering and supportive as it can be for First Nations Australians and their families."
Quotes Attributable to Mibayn Disability Services CEO, Kelly Mundine:
"First Nations organisations bring trust, connection and understanding to the NDIS - making it more accessible for our people."
"Growing the presence of Aboriginal providers is essential to delivering the right support, in the right way, for our mob."
