DSS have recently been consulting with DES providers and peak bodies on the review of the Star Ratings and the planned phasing in of the new DES Quality Framework from 1 July. 

NDS has ongoing conversations with government around the ever-increasing cost of doing business for DES providers. While the recently announced two per cent indexation for the DES funding model for 2023–24 is an improvement on previous years, we keep advocating to DSS that this falls well short of increasing costs — and the broader inflation rate of seven per cent. We are focused on making sure funding in the DES program and other employment programs is adequate for quality and effective service provision and allow for provider sustainability. NDS will continue to advocate for the best possible funding arrangements for the sector.