cpactive.org.au > News > Federal budget 2021-22 | What’s changing for the NDIS?

Federal budget 2021-22 | What’s changing for the NDIS?

Yesterday the Federal government released its budget, which included another boost to the NDIS as well as new funds for community and support services.

Here’s a brief breakdown of what’s new:

Major Highlights

  • $13.2 billion to the NDIS
  • $1.9 billion for vaccination rollout which includes extra cash for workers involved in the roll out and a national ad campaign.
  • JobTrainer program extended
  • Up to $1,080 back in tax for low to middle income earners (people earning between $37,000 and $90,000)
  • $354 million for women’s health
  • Additional funding for mental health and suicide prevention

What’s in the budget for the NDIS?

The budget invested an extra $13.2 billion in the NDIS, bringing its total extra Federal Government funding to $17.1 billion. The Government is expected to spend $23.3 billion in NDIS supports this financial year, and is projected to reach $32 billion in 2024-25. There’s also an extra $12.3 million to boost the number of disability support workers under the NDIS.

What’s in it for women?

There’s some good news for women too, with nearly a billion dollars in the budget to support victims of family and domestic violence. Additionally, $10.7 million for teaching young people about respectful relationships in schools. A women’s safety package of $1.1 billion, including financial support and emergency accommodation, will be rolled out, with a further $376.2 million for legal support. The government will also provide $20.5 million toward implementing the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work report. Nearly $27 million set aside for people living with eating disorders. The Pelvic Pain Foundation will get $5 million to roll out a program on endometriosis for school students, and there’s extra money for breast and ovarian cancer support, too.

For education?

$2 billion being delivered toward early education, allowing universal free access to preschools around the country. Children will receive at least 15 hours a week, beginning from mid-2022. Australian schools will also receive an increase in funding from $13.8 billion in 2014 to $23.4 billion in 2021.

What’s in the budget for health?

$1.5 billion will go to telehealth services and COVID-19 testing as well as outbreak prevention in remote communities. $1.5 billion will go to telehealth services and COVID-19 testing as well as outbreak prevention in remote communities.

For mental health?

The budget includes $2.3 billion for mental health and suicide prevention measures. Headspace will get an extra $278 million over four years, and there’s cash for mental health services for FIFO workers, and to support families who’ve lost loved ones to suicide.The government is setting aside $487 million for 40 new services for people aged 25 and over, called Head to Health.

What’s missing?

  • The Arts: only a small spend ($12M) for the arts, targeted at big productions and international films. No extra budget for ABC or SBS.
  • Universities: a small spend for universities to create online learning resources for foreign students.

For the very eager among us, here are links to a few more in-depth explainers:

Until next time,

Bronya Metherall

For the CPActive campaign