Development and Principles of the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Abstract

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been called ‘the most fundamental social policy reform since the introduction of Medicare’. In this article, we document the chronology of the insurance and actuarial developments leading up to the NDIS. We describe the critical components of the ‘insurance model’ in this context and how these apply in a human services framework like disability and potentially other areas. We then briefly document the Productivity Commission's vision for the NDIS, including the potential economic benefits. Finally, we present some commentary on the current status of the NDIS's implementation and risks which may threaten its success.