NSW Premier on NDIS: States Could Not Replicate Services

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has stated that state governments would be unable to replicate the services currently provided by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if participants were moved to state-run systems. He expressed support for reforming the federally administered scheme, which he described as costly, while noting the practical limitations of state-level services.

Premier's Stance on Service Provision

In comments made prior to an announcement by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler, Premier Minns outlined his position on potential changes to the NDIS.

"We can't provide the kinds of services ... in the state system that are currently being provided by the NDIS. There's not a substitute effect. It's not possible for us to do it."

Minns clarified that his position was not that states would refuse to provide services, but that they could not offer equivalent "like-for-like services" if individuals were removed from the NDIS framework.

Support for Federal Reform

Premier Minns indicated support for the federal government's efforts to reform the NDIS. He acknowledged the complexity of the task.

"Reform is difficult, and I'm not going to throw sand in the gears of the federal government."

He added, "I think that they're grappling with an issue that, if I were in their shoes, I'd be doing the same thing."

Context: The National Disability Insurance Scheme

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a federal government program that provides funding and support to eligible Australians with permanent and significant disabilities.

Premier Minns described the scheme as expensive, a point often cited in discussions about its long-term financial sustainability.