A closer look at the Annual Price Review reveals missed opportunities

On 16 June the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) released its Annual Pricing Review (APR), announcing an average 5.3 per cent increase in price limits for 2023–24. This includes the 5.75 per cent increase to minimum award wages announced by the Fair Work Commission in May. This was applied to wage elements within the price guide to supports underpinned by the Disability Support Worker Cost Model (DSWCM).  

Therapy supports, Level two and three support coordination, and plan management have received no increases. NDS is disappointed the price limits for these supports were not indexed, since the omission ignores how heavily these vital services are affected by increases to superannuation, CPI and workforce shortages. This makes it hard for them to attract and retain the skilled workforce they need.