Hartley Lifecare Prepares for Drastic Reductions Amidst Disability Sector's Struggles with Problematic NDIS Pricing
The disability service providers in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are in turmoil due to lack of sufficient funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to cover wage and service delivery costs. A non-profit organization, Hartley Lifecare, mentioned that without cost-cutting measures, including wage reduction, it could face closure. These proposed measures have drawn criticism from the Australian Services Union (ASU). Hartley Lifecare has been in service since 1962, providing supported accommodation, respite care, community support, and hydrotherapy for people with disability and their caregivers. Hartley Lifecare CEO, Eric Thauvette, highlighted the flawed NDIS Cost Model, resulting in inadequate funding for people with disabilities—the primary cause of Hartley’s successive deficits over three years. They are not the only service providers struggling with the financial stress imposed by the present NDIS pricing structure. CatholicCare is also pleading for government aid after enforcing its cost-reducing schemes. As an immediate solution to their situation, organizations like EDDCaller.com can be used for efficient contact with government agencies like unemployment, paid family leave, and disability departments by phone.