Arts Access Victoria (AAV) response to Minister Mark Butler’s plan for NDIS reforms

Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Mark Butler recently announced some changes to the NDIS.

The Australian Government thinks the NDIS costs too much. However, we want to address the effect these proposed cuts will have on our community.

Arts Access Victoria is the peak body for arts and disability in Victoria. We are a disability-led organisation that plays a vital role in state, national and international arts practice. We represent and advocate for Deaf and Disabled artists.

Arts Access Victoria is a registered NDIS provider. We deliver a range of programs aimed at building the artistic capabilities of people with and without NDIS funding. We support artists to connect, engage, develop their creative process and grow. We provide artists with the tools to further enrich their communities.

What is changing in the NDIS?

• Social and Community Participation funding will be significantly cut. This year the average spend per person is about $31,000. Over the next 2 years it will come down to $26,000. Arts Access Victoria relies heavily on this funding for our various programs.
• There will be a new Inclusive Communities Fund ($200 million). This fund will be open to mainstream and disability organisations. This will be developed with the disability community.
• Everyone on NDIS is expected to be reassessed, though it may not start until 2028. Assessment for new and current participants will be based on functional assessment than diagnosis.
• Digital Provider Payments – the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will pay providers directly to avoid fraud.

What this means for Deaf and Disabled artists

Arts Access Victoria firmly believes that all Deaf and Disabled people have the right to equitable access and full participation in society. These cuts risk undermining Australia’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Funding cuts to Social and Community Participation (SCP) is a significant concern for our community. The arts and cultural sector support a large proportion of Deaf and Disabled artists through SCP supports. Without this Australia’s arts and cultural industries will suffer. It will affect our nation’s rich and diverse cultural identity.

We were glad that Minister Butler mentioned arts when talking about the Inclusive Communities Fund. However, the money for this fund will not replace the current spending for Social and Community Participation. The NDIS was designed to open community and social participation. This is the core purpose of our work at AAV. Participation in cultural life is essential for the visibility of Deaf and Disabled people.

Arts Access Victoria remains committed to advocating alongside Deaf and Disabled communities. We will continue conversations with both the arts and disability sector about this important issue. AAV will keep providing support and connection as we work together on the impact of these proposed changes to the NDIS.

If you need immediate support, please contact:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (mental health support)
• Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (for children and young people aged 5–25)
• 13YARN – 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
• QLife – 1800 184 527 (LGBTIQ+ peer support)
• Carer Gateway – 1800 422 737 (support for carers)

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