WhatsUp

There’s been some key pricing changes that are effective 1 July 2023. First, the good news. Price limits for supports delivered by disability support workers will see a realterms increase of 5.3% to account for:

• The Fair Work Commission’s increase to minimum Award wages by 5.75%. The NDIA has fully covered this wage increase to workers employed under the Award, meaning providers don’t need to cover it themselves. This change will also come into effect for level 1 support coordination (support connection).

• An extension of the temporary loading for a further 12 months at 1%. The downside is that it’s been halved from last year (previously 2%) and will cease on 1 July 2024.

• Inclusion of paid family and domestic violence leave of 0.1% to reflect the new National Employment Standards entitlements for workers.

• Passing on the increase in superannuation guarantee charge of 0.5% in full.

Overall this is positive, as it could have been worse in the context of many conversations about 8% growth cap / target / framework / [insert another murky synonym here].

The NDIA has stated after “extensive market analysis and consultation”, there will be no adjustment to the pricing arrangements and price limits for therapy supports on 1 July 2023.

The party line is that the market for therapy continues to attract new providers entering the market. The Agency says results from