Joint Media Release with Minister for Families and Social Services The Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Government reforms to increase Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) will improve choice and control for eligible National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in the Northern Territory.

Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson, jointly announced immediate reforms to SDA Accommodation following a recent review by the Council of Australian Governments Disability Reform Council.

Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, said participants will no longer have to exhaust all other options before being found eligible for SDA accommodation which will increase their choice and control over living arrangements.

“As part of the reforms participants can now receive SDA funding sooner, expediting their transition into more suitable accommodation,” Senator Scullion said.

“From July this year, restrictions which are currently preventing some families from living together will be removed from Specialist Disability Accommodation Rules. These changes will give NDIS participants and their families in the Territory more flexibility to live where they want and with whom they want.

“Currently around 180 Territory participants receive SDA support and I expect them and others awaiting SDA approval will welcome these changes so they can live where they feel most comfortable with whom they want.”

“These reforms will also stimulate construction and supply of SDA properties, creating more diverse accommodation options for NDIS participants.

“Participants and providers of Specialist Disability Accommodation in the Northern Territory can be reassured that SDA prices will not change unexpectedly and can be adjusted up if cost pressures emerge,” Senator Scullion said.

The NDIA is also establishing an SDA Reference Group, representing participants, providers, investors and other key stakeholders, to support the development of the SDA market, and the long-term viability of SDA investments.

The full report from the SDA review is available on the DSS website at www.dss.gov.au.

For further information on possible SDA housing options see the Housing Hub website (www.thehousinghub.org.au).