Deloitte warns South Australia could lose $1.3 billion in NDIS funding by 2030

Deloitte Access Economics has released a report indicating that South Australia's reliance on the National Disability Insurance Scheme makes it especially vulnerable to recent federal reforms. The study projects a $1.3 billion reduction in NDIS expenditure for the state by 2030, equating to the loss of roughly 10,000 to 15,000 jobs that currently deliver care and administration. The funding gap is expected to compel some family carers to exit the labour market and could curtail services for children with autism as they transition to the new Thriving Kids program, which receives far less money than the previous model would have provided.

JFA Purple Orange warned that these cuts will place additional strain on the state's already stretched health system and broader economic output. While the federal government asserts it will not leave children without support, it has capped the NDIS budget at about $55 billion a year, down from a projected $70 billion. South Australian officials say there are no plans to increase the state's $135.5 million contribution to Thriving Kids, despite Deloitte’s expectation of pressure on the state to fund the shortfall.