Disparities in NDIS Funding Allocation: What the Research Reveals
Will NDIS Funding Ever Be Considered Equal?
A recent University of Melbourne study has highlighted inequities within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Analysing over 485,000 applications from 2016 to 2022, the research uncovered biases in funding allocation, with certain demographic groups more likely to be rejected. These systemic gaps may be limiting access to essential disability support for some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.
The Key Findings
The study found that applications for physical, psychosocial, and unclassified disabilities were more often rejected if the applicant:
- Was female
- Was over 54 years old
- Came from a lower socio-economic background
These disparities suggest the NDIS approval process is not as equitable as intended, raising concerns about whether some individuals are being unfairly excluded from support.
Bias in the NDIS Approval Process
Bias can be implicit (unconscious) or explicit (deliberate). Implicit bias stems from ingrained societal stereotypes, influencing decisions even among well-intentioned professionals. Assessors may unconsciously view physical disabilities as more “legitimate” than psychosocial conditions, leading to inconsistencies in approvals.
Explicit bias involves systemic discrimination reinforced through policy or decision-making frameworks. The study suggests that outdated assumptions and structural barriers may be disadvantaging women, older individuals, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
What This Means for the Disability Sector
The NDIS was designed to be a fair, person-centred system, ensuring people with disabilities receive the support they need to live independently. However, these biases indicate the approval process may not be working equitably, particularly for women, older adults, and those already facing barriers to healthcare and employment.
Addressing the Inequities
To create a more equitable system, the following steps should be considered:
- Reviewing Application Criteria – Ensuring assessments focus on functional needs rather than demographic factors.
- Increasing Transparency – Publishing data on application outcomes to identify and address patterns of bias.
- Enhancing Support for Underserved Groups – Providing targeted advocacy and assistance to applicants facing higher rejection rates.
- Training Decision-Makers – Raising awareness of unconscious bias in funding decisions.
Moving Forward: A Call for Fairness
The NDIS must work for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. Addressing these disparities is about more than fairness—it is about ensuring people with disabilities receive the support they need to live with dignity and independence.
As NDIS reform discussions continue, policymakers must take these findings seriously and implement measures to close gaps in accessibility. Only then can the NDIS truly fulfil its mission of delivering equitable support to all Australians with disabilities.