NDIS Quarterly Report 2023-2024: An Overview of Specialist Disability Accommodation in Australia

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has released its Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2023-2024, offering valuable insights into the state of Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in Australia. The report, which combines provider confidence with the SDA supply pipeline, offers a nuanced perspective on the market. It includes properties still in the planning stage, providing a broader view of potential future supply.

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Active Participants and SDA Supports

The report highlights a 15% annual increase in active participants with SDA support over the last three years, reaching 23,227 by September 2023. This growth underscores the expanding need for specialist disability accommodation in Australia, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing living conditions for individuals with disabilities.

SDA Supply Pipeline and Development Trends

A notable trend is the 12% quarterly increase in SDA places being developed for single participants, particularly those requiring high physical support. This rise is particularly significant in the improved liveability and fully accessible categories and also signifies a move away from group homes, aligning with the trend towards more individualised living arrangements. The majority of developments are apartments and houses, with high physical support designs being the most common. This reflects the broadening of SDA development to include more diverse and individualised living arrangements.

Total SDA Supports in Participant Plans

The total SDA support within participant plans has shown a remarkable 29% annual growth, amounting to $395 million. This increase reflects the growing investment in disability housing resources, ensuring that participants have access to suitable and high-quality accommodation.

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Enrolled SDA Dwellings and Design Categories

The latest data reveals a notable 23% yearly surge in enrolled Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) dwellings, reaching a total of 8,299. This growth is primarily driven by the robust and high physical support design categories, which have experienced significant increases of 42% and 38%, respectively. This increasing trend highlights the dynamic evolution of the demand for SDAs and highlights a deliberate attempt to address a broad range of needs within the disability community.

Challenges in Decision-Making Timeliness

The report highlights areas for improvement in decision-making efficiency within the SDA sector. As of the September 2023 quarter, only 76% of applications reached finalisation within the 90-day target. Additionally, a notable 10%, equating to 412 participants, were still in the queue for support implementation as the quarter closed. These numbers highlight how urgently procedures need to be streamlined in order to improve service delivery in the SDA environment.

Investment in Home and Living Demonstration Projects

The NDIA's commitment of $1.018 million to home and living demonstration projects represents a forward-thinking initiative, aimed at enriching practical solutions and support framework for NDIS participants as they navigate through various housing options. 

Future Projections and SDA Demand

Looking ahead, the NDIA estimates a rise in SDA demand from 20,000 participants in June 2022 to approximately 36,700 by June 2042, growing at 2.4% per annum. The report showed significant increases in places like Western Australia, indicating a catch-up phase in SDA development. This projection is critical for stakeholders, including investors and developers, to align their strategies with the anticipated demand in the specialist disability accommodation sector.

Read also: Understanding SDA Housing in Australia: Challenges & Investment Opportunities

Conclusion

The NDIS Quarterly Report for 2023–2024 provides a thorough summary of the SDA market's present trends and anticipated future developments. It serves as a crucial manual for those involved in the disability housing industry, offering a basis for well-informed choices and well-thought-out strategies. For more detailed insights and information, stakeholders are encouraged to delve into the full report and stay abreast of the evolving dynamics in specialist disability accommodation in Australia.