NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing and Payments Framework Review – Terms of Reference

The COAG Disability Reform Council agreed to the Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing and Payment Framework in 2015 and includes Terms of Reference for Review of the Framework.

The timing of the Review was agreed by COAG Disability Reform Council at its meeting on 30 April 2018.

Purpose of the Review

The Specialist Disability Accommodation Pricing and Payments Framework (the Framework) endorsed in November 2015 sets out an initial pricing and payments framework for the funding of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Disability Reform Council (the Council) committed in 2015 to review the Framework. The outcome of this Review will inform the Council’s development of arrangements for NDIS participant funding and market settings to replace the existing Framework. The Review should be consistent with the Objects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and the key goals of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Terms of Reference

1. The Review will examine whether the current Framework:

   1.1. allows the National Disability Insurance Agency to set appropriate levels of funding for individual participants;

   1.2. supports the delivery of SDA in sufficient volume and form to meet demand from NDIS participants, noting that efficient investment is dependent on developers’ access to capital markets;

   1.3. enables innovation by SDA providers and the development of quality accommodation;

   1.4. enables participants to exercise choice and control, and maximise independent lifestyles and inclusion in the community;

   1.5. provides opportunities and incentives for participants to consider value‑for‑money in the use of their NDIS funds, including SDA as a substitute for other supports; and

   1.6. provides flexibility to meet changes in quality and safeguards requirements.

2. The Review will examine factors that influence investor decisions to participate in SDA, including ensuring that there is sufficient information for providers to invest and by considering the operation of the Framework and lessons learned to date.
3. The Review will also consider the impact of price controls and scheduled framework and pricing reviews on achieving efficient outcomes.
4. The Review will identify options for the development of participant funding arrangements, and ongoing funding certainty, and other market settings to improve or replace the current Framework. Consideration should be given to the impact of any changes on participant welfare, SDA industry development, including existing provider stock, and the financial sustainability of the NDIS.

Process

The Department of Social Services will engage external experts to conduct the Review. The Review will commence in May 2018 for completion in August 2018, to report to the Disability Reform Council in September 2018, with the Market Oversight Working Group (of the Council’s Senior Officials Working Group) being consulted throughout the Review.

The Review will invite submissions and hold meetings, roundtables, and briefings with stakeholders including, but not limited to: people with disabilities, their families and carers, and organisations representing them; providers or potential providers and their representatives; and existing or potential financiers/investors and their representatives.