A disability support provider in Unanderra has been recognised with an industry award, even as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) faces widespread funding challenges. The provider, Hartley Lifecare, received the award for excellence in service delivery, but its chief executive Eric Thauvette said the organisation is struggling to stay afloat due to funding cuts and administrative burdens.
Hartley Lifecare has been forced to restructure and make redundancies to avoid insolvency, with a deficit of about $6 million over the past four years. Mr Thauvette warned that without changes to funding, the quality of care for clients with complex needs would continue to decline.
The award comes at a time when many NDIS providers are considering reducing or closing services. According to a survey by the National Disability Service, more than 70 per cent of providers nationally are facing viability issues. In the ACT, where the scheme was first trialled, providers are particularly strained by a dual regulatory environment that requires them to submit duplicate paperwork.
One client, Peter Thorn, who is non-verbal with autism, had his overnight support cut from seven days a week to seven days a year due to an alleged planning error. Hartley Lifecare used its own funds to support him during the appeal process, which took months to resolve. Mr Thauvette said such situations are common and add to the financial pressure on providers.
The award highlights the dedication of providers like Hartley Lifecare, but Mr Thauvette stressed that the current NDIS funding model is unsustainable. He called for fairer pricing and reduced administrative load to ensure the scheme can continue to support vulnerable Australians.
