The National Disability Insurance Scheme An Australian Public Policy Experiment

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (known commonly as the NDIS) was introduced as a radical new way of funding disability services in Australia. It is a rare moment in politics and policy making that an idea as revolutionary, ambitious and expensive as the NDIS makes it into its implementation phase.

‘This book is an important contribution to our understanding of the NDIS - its real history by those who fought for it and helped build it.’ — Christina Ryan, CEO / Founder, Disability Leadership Institute

‘This book deals with the development of a critical piece of social infrastructure for Australians with disabilities and our families, probably as critical as the Australian universal health care system. It is a thorough and rigorous examination of the scheme’s formation and development, including a range of different academic voices.’ — Graeme Innes AM, Australian Disability Discrimination Commissioner (2005–2014)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (known commonly as the NDIS) was introduced as a radical new way of funding disability services in Australia. It is a rare moment in politics and policy making that an idea as revolutionary, ambitious and expensive as the NDIS makes it into its implementation phase. Not surprising, then, that the NDIS has been described by many as the biggest social shift in Australia since Medicare.
This book will be a key text for scholars and public policy professionals wishing to understand the NDIS, how it was designed, and lessons learned through its introduction and roll-out. The book addresses how the NDIS has intersected with particular cohorts and sectors, and some of the challenges that have arisen. It highlights the experiences of people with disability through a collection of personal stories from participants and families in the NDIS.
The key insights from this large scale public policy experiment are relevant for anyone interested in social change in Australia, or internationally.
Mhairi Cowden is a public policy professional and researcher. She has worked for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet in Western Australia advising on community services including the NDIS. Her previous publications include ‘Children’s Rights: From Philosophy to Public Policy’. She holds a PhD from the Australian National University.
Claire McCullagh is currently a Director at Nous Group, Australia. She is a consultant and public policy professional. She has previously held senior policy positions within the Western Australian Government, including the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Mental Health Commission and the Disability Services Commission. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Oxford.