As Bill Shorten prepares to step down from his role as Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in February 2024, his tenure is marked by both significant achievements and ongoing challenges within one of the government’s most complex portfolios.
Shorten, who is rumored to be eyeing the vice-chancellor’s position at the University of Canberra, has served in the NDIS role for nearly three years. Announcing his resignation on Thursday, Shorten received praise from across the political spectrum for his dedication and energy in a role fraught with difficulties.
Outgoing Minister Bill Shorten Leaves Unfinished Business with NDIS
Having been a principal architect of the NDIS during the Gillard government over a decade ago, Shorten was committed to advancing the scheme when he took on the portfolio in 2022. However, he faced formidable obstacles, including escalating costs and allegations of widespread fraud, which have led to criticisms of the system as “broken” by some providers.
The NDIS, initially estimated to cost $15 billion annually, is projected to exceed $50 billion per year by 2025/26, surpassing the annual expenditure on Medicare. Shorten has underscored the urgent need for reform to ensure the scheme’s financial sustainability while balancing concerns of the disability community regarding potential cost-cutting measures.
In the diverse and often fragmented disability sector, Shorten’s departure has been met with a mix of reactions. River Night, a disability sector advocate, acknowledged Shorten’s authentic engagement with grassroots communities despite the varied responses to his resignation.
Ross Joyce, CEO of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, expressed disappointment at Shorten’s exit during a critical period for the sector.
“He’s been a strong supporter of the scheme and has done substantial work for people with disabilities,” Joyce told AAP.
However, he critiqued recent amendments to the NDIS, which limited spending growth to eight percent annually, and called for enhanced co-design and consultation from Shorten’s successor.
Joyce emphasized the importance of retaining the NDIS role within the cabinet to address the ongoing reforms needed for the sector. Key tasks such as finalizing assessment processes and ensuring the continuity of support amid tightened eligibility requirements remain critical.
Samantha Hunter, CEO of Occupational Therapy Australia, urged Shorten to use his remaining time to address the damage caused by contentious industry commentary on the NDIS.
“Failing to do so could result in hasty and detrimental changes that undermine the scheme’s core objectives,” she warned.
As the search for Shorten’s successor begins, the future of the NDIS hangs in the balance, with stakeholders hoping for a smooth transition and continued progress in reforming the sector.
