By Max King, CEO of Auscare Australia Group
#workthatmatters

If you’ve spent any time on LinkedIn or scrolling through social media lately, you might be convinced that the sky is falling when it comes to the NDIS. The endless stream of negative commentary is enough to make anyone believe the entire system is broken beyond repair. But hold on—what about all the incredible work that’s being done? What about the stories that get lost in the wave of pessimism? Well, I’m here to bring some balance back into the discussion. Let’s take a moment to shine a light on the positive impact the NDIS is making—because there’s plenty to celebrate.

Here are some of the ways the NDIS is improving lives and why we should focus on that progress:

1. Supporting Employment for Families and Carers  

One of the often-overlooked successes is how the NDIS helps families and carers regain their independence by getting back into the workforce. Over 52% of families and carers are now in paid employment—surpassing the program’s own target. This is a huge win not just for those directly involved but for the broader econom【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10292-ndis-reforms-fuel-positive-participant-outcomes-and-continued-scheme-stabilisation】.

2. Giving Participants More Control Over Their Lives  

The NDIS is fundamentally about empowerment. A massive 76% of participants aged 15 and older say the NDIS has increased their choice and control. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s about people gaining the agency to live their lives on their own terms【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10292-ndis-reforms-fuel-positive-participant-outcomes-and-continued-scheme-stabilisation】.

3. Boosting Social and Community Participation  

Participation is key to well-being, and for younger participants aged 15 to 24, involvement in social and community groups has risen by 14% over three years. This is a clear indicator that the NDIS is fostering inclusion, not just providing services【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6170-new-reports-show-ndis-having-significant-positive-impact-australians-disability】.

4. Increasing Access for First Nations People  

Representation matters, and in the latest quarter, nearly 10% of new NDIS participants identified as First Nations people. This progress reflects a focused effort on inclusivity and cultural respect within the program【https://www.miragenews.com/over-600000-australians-and-families-benefit-1067803/】.

5. Stabilising Costs Without Sacrificing Quality  

For all the talk about budget blowouts, the reality is that plan inflation has stabilised. Since late 2022, the program has managed costs while maintaining (and even enhancing) the level of support provided. That’s good stewardship and a win for long-term sustainability【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10292-ndis-reforms-fuel-positive-participant-outcomes-and-continued-scheme-stabilisation】.

6. Quicker Transitions from Hospital to Home  

The time it takes to discharge participants from medical facilities has dropped significantly, from months to just 27 days in 2023. This improvement reflects better-coordinated care and more efficient use of resources—helping participants get back to their lives sooner
【https://www.miragenews.com/over-600000-australians-and-families-benefit-1067803/】.

7. Seeing the Impact of Early Intervention  

More participants are leaving the scheme as their needs stabilise. This is a direct result of effective early intervention—getting people the support they need earlier and more effectively
【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/10292-ndis-reforms-fuel-positive-participant-outcomes-and-continued-scheme-stabilisation】
【https://www.miragenews.com/over-600000-australians-and-families-benefit-1067803/】.

8. Enabling Young People to Set Career Goals  

The NDIS is helping young participants transition into the workforce by supporting them in setting and achieving employment goals. This is more than just about job placement—it’s about giving young Australians with disabilities a sense of purpose and belonging【https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/publications/participant-and-familiescarers-outcomes-reports】.

9. Fostering Inclusion from an Early Age  

For participants from birth to school age, feeling welcome in community activities has increased by 11% over the last three years. This matters because fostering a sense of belonging early on sets the foundation for lifelong social inclusion【https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/6170-new-reports-show-ndis-having-significant-positive-impact-australians-disability】.

10. Co-Designing the Future with the Disability Community  

Lastly, the NDIS is listening to the voices that matter most—the participants themselves. Co-design initiatives with people with disabilities ensure that the NDIS evolves in line with the needs and aspirations of those it serves【https://www.miragenews.com/over-600000-australians-and-families-benefit-1067803/】.

—

It’s easy to get caught up in negativity, especially when it’s amplified on social media. But these data points show that the NDIS is making real, measurable progress. Yes, there are challenges ahead, and no one’s pretending the system is perfect. But let’s not lose sight of the fact that thousands of Australians are living better, fuller lives because of the NDIS.

So, next time you see the doomsday posts, remember: there’s another side to this story, one that’s worth celebrating.

—

Max King, CEO  

Auscare Australia Group  

#workthatmatters