Extra frontline staff and smoother paths for National Disability Insurance Scheme clients to resolve disputes have been included in the federal budget.
The Albanese government's first budget, delivered on Tuesday night, outlined $166.6 billion in NDIS funding over four years - a boost of $8.8 billion.
In a bid to improve frontline services, an extra 380 staff will be hired by the NDIS at an initial cost in 2022/23 of $22.4 million.
A $437.4 million package of changes over three years included extra operational funding for the NDIS, support for people with disability and their families taking cases to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and an $18.1m review of the scheme's design and operations.
As well, $12.4 million has been set aside in 2022/23 to introduce an expert review pathway to resolve disputes arising from NDIA decisions and reduce the number of AAT appeals.
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who has previously warned of fraud within the scheme, will be armed with a $126.3 million task force including federal police, the tax office and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
The task force is expected to reap $291.5 million over four years.
Beyond the NDIS, the government will spend $19.4 million to extend the Disability Employment Services program for two years to June 30, 2025, allowing for a detailed examination of a new model of service delivery.
As well, the Disability Support for Older Australians program will be extended to December 31, 2023, at a cost of $53.5 million.
A National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health will receive $15.9 million over four years.
The budget also included extra spending on accessible toilets, advocacy groups and research.
