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

12 May 2021

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