DISCLOSURE LOG

OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) - April 20, 2023

The contents of this document are OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE Agenda Item: Agenda item number is not provided. Paper Type: For Noting SLT Sponsor: David Gifford,

Purpose:

To provide feedback from public consultation on Annual Pricing Review APR), present key evidence/research findings reviewed areas currently being reviewed.

Recommendation:

PARG notes that PARG has noted to date.

Background & Context:

The approach was presented IDC in March 2023 agreed overall minimalist given broader NDIS review concurrently running. Areas under review include DSW related supports therapy support coordination plan management.

Feedback From Public Consultation:

a paper released Friday Mar with closing Thursday Apr In total submissions received up until pm most were provider organizations advocacy groups individual therapists or workers participants and their representatives professional bodies peak bodies Government union. Providers across all service expressed concerns about inflation rising costs supply difficulty attracting training retaining staff for DSW related the main concern cost disability support model ongoing adjustment many providers COVID SCHADS Award changes terms therapy services respondents suggested it difficult handle increased as price limits have changed since wages some stated charged more complexity delivering whereas others charge same both cohorts Submissions level suggest should be increased for level Support Coordinators fragmented nature of unbillable hours associated administrative work.

DISCLOSURE LOG

NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) - April 20, 2023

Research and analysis:

Refer to Appendix A for more analysis.

Domestic economic conditions and care sector expenditure:

While Australia has weathered pandemic challenges well but remains vulnerable due to intensifying global issues,

a forecast predicts GDP will grow at an annual rate of 3¼ percent from Q through Q*, yet inflation pressures are expected to slow down overall economy’s growth potential significantly to a projected average pace around 1½% per year, starting next quarter.¹

Despite subdued outlook on broader Australian economy, Federal Government’s spending is anticipated to rise within Health Care & Social Assistance industry sectors such as pension benefits, Medicare services,* aged-care facilities,** pharmaceuticals*** etc., with NDIS budgetary expansion outpacing other social welfare programs like PBS scheme****.

HCSA industry contributes approximately eight percentage points toward total national Gross Value Added in recent years; it consistently exceeds performance averages across all industries*****.

Internationally speaking,Australia ranks eighth among OECD countries regarding public expenditures dedicated towards disability support initiatives captured by the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development(OECD), accounting roughly two-point-nine percent(GDP).******

Higher interest rates coupled alongside elevated cost-of-living expenses pose significant financial strain upon nation. Annual inflation surged up 78%, recorded during December last year*******;

onward projections indicate that Reserve Bank of Australia anticipates this trend may moderate slightly over time********.

With economic conditions remaining stagnant and care sector continuing its upward trajectory,

it suggests tightening fiscal environment along side increased living costs will likely intensify competition amongst labor markets against other caregiving professions**†‡§∥⊥, which could exert additional pressure onto supply chain dynamics moving forward|||### DSW related supports: The number of participants receiving Disability Support Worker-related assistance has grown at a rate exceeding seventeen per cent within six-month period ending Dec.²³ compared to same timeframe, while active provider count experienced an even more substantial increase reaching nearly thirty-per-cent growth***.`

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NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) - April 20, 2023

OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE

NDIS providers utilise the same labour market pool for disability workers as aged care and childcare sector; wage changes in one will impact worker availability across sectors: Analysis on major online employment platforms suggests that DSW hourly wages ($28.80-$40) are higher than those paid to aged-care (€24-€35) or childcare employees.

The Fair Work Commission has decided: Aged Care Award and relevant award workers’ salaries increased by 15 percent from July 1st onward; as a result: Level I Disability Support Worker’s daily rate is based upon SCHADS Level II.3 at $32.37 per hour, similarly qualified with an equivalent salary level IV Aged Care Award at €24.76 per hour—resulting in a difference of approximately €$7 more per hour (a rise of about +31%). After accounting this increase post-July 1 st , the DSW still earns over €$39 extra each hour (++14%)

From January first onwards, there was also introduced a temporary loading of two percentage points due variable costs related COVID-19 and other adjustments to the SCHADS Award. Sustainability assessment conducted for various options estimated keeping it would add €** extbf{573 million}, representing roughly one point four percent additional expenses; whereas reducing gradually by one percentage point would cost around € extbf{ extcolor{red}{286}} million,** or seven hundred thousand dollars.

Therapy supports

In six months leading up until December thirty-first of year twenty-two: 325 participants purchased therapy services through their plans; delivered via active providers totaling forty-six thousands three-hundred-and-forty-four individuals resulting total payments amounting $one-point-six billion*, increase from previous period’s payment totals at thirteen millions.* This represents an overall growth rate of nearly plus-twenty-five-per-cent compared with last year. The proportion claimed by registered service-providers remains significant: seventy-two per cent of all therapy expenditures were made within this time frame. Accordingly: Jobs Australia projects continued employment expansion in therapeutic fields over next five years—Aged Carers being among top fifteen fastest-growing occupations expected to increase significantly (by approximately 28% till two-thousand-twentys). Top-three fast growing therapists include Audiologists and Speech Pathologists, showing a remarkable ++three-plus-4.7%-growth-rate which is close-to quadruple the projected workforce incrementation rates for other professions such as Podiatrists and Physiotherapists (+1.8%, respectively) Footnotes: ^{** extbf{a} Fair Work Ombudsman pay guides. _b}redacted : 57 percent share held by active participants on December thirty-first of twenty-two-year-old;

OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE Annual Pricing Review - Year Twenty-Two-Thirty-One 3 Page ¶­½»-¿¾/1049

DISCLOSE LOG

NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG), 20 April, 2023

Official: Sensitive

5.3.4: The NDIS has engaged sixteen Commonwealth State therapy schemes for their pricing as a comparison against its limits. The overall price is inline or at higher end compared most therapies except some types that have been indexed up over past year.upto 5%' can be seen.

5.3.5.: A significant change in exercise physiologists’ rates this year is due adjustments made from other schemes; hence lower than previous years.

5.3.6: Comparison with private billing will take place during May board meeting

Support coordination & plan management

The number of participants supported by coordinators increased to $428 million, and providers rose significantly (15%, 34%,) while claims also grew(15%). This brings total amount claimed within six months ending Dec ’22.

Preliminary evidence shows steady increase among active support coordination providers.

Number of plan managers saw an increase too - 27%,13%,and 14%; bringing the fees paid out to $227.7m between July 2022-Dec `‘22’.

Early data suggests healthy market entrants, possibly expanding participant base under plan manager supervision.

Plan Management remains popular option (at a rate of -58%-). Self-management has remained stable at around (32%/Dec-20) compared last quarter’s(30%).

Agency managed cases have declined sharply since last reported period.(from 24% to only ~12%' in recent reporting).

Responsibility next steps:

The feedback from public consultation and key research findings till date will be shared on April 29th with Pricing Interdepartmental Committee before being presented for Board review.

DISCLOSURE LOG

NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG)

Final recommendations will be discussed with the PARG on May 12 , then the Pricing IDG, on May, 19, before being endorsed in a board meeting held later that month.

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OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE

Attachment A Annual Pricing Review 2022-23 Research and analysis

Domestic economic conditions and the care economy

Federal Government expenditure for the Health Care and Social Assistance (HCSA)

industry continues to grow. Figure [1] shows actual projected spending NDIS pension Medicare aged care pharmaceutical benefits scheme PBS Growth expected outpace other Health Care Social Assistance industries.

FIGURE: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES, [2]

The GVA measures an industry or sector where HCSA consistently outperformed rest Economy terms Gross Value Add in recent years contributing around % Australian GDP as shown Figure .

FIGURE: GROSS VALUE ADD FOR THE HCSA SECTOR AGAINST ALL INDUSTRIES, **[5]-[8]

| | | |-| ||% | ||- |2015|4 |2016|redacted |2017| redacted |2018| redacted |2019| redacted |2020| -2 |2021| 0.0 |2022|3-4

The largest employing industry economy has had more annual employment growth average all other on average and will

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ndis

continue to grow significantly Figure. Over 2022, employment in HCSA grew at its fastest rate on record. On average, this was 9.9% more than the number employed in 2021. Both output and employment growth did not turn negative during the pandemic for the HCSA sector, unlike all industries.

FIGURE: ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT GROWTH FOR HCSA AGAINST ALL INDUSTRIES, 2013 –2022 ![Annual Employment Growth Graph](Per Cent) (Healthcare & Social Assistance) (All Industries) Source:ABS Labour Force Survey`

Disablity Support Workers (DSW) related supports

The number of participants receiving DSW-related supports continues to grow.The total amount claimed in this section are based online items related to DSW to ensure greater accuracy tailored to scope of APR.The support category level includes mostly DSW but also some non-DWS line items that ar not nscope current analysis.TABLE: DS W RELATED SUPPORT STATISCIS JULY TO DECEMBER AND JUDECBERMEOO `

| Jul - Dec | Jul-Dec 2021 | Growth | |- |-| | Total number NDIS participant | $25873$ | $192523$ | *17% Total number active providers(includes registered unregistered provider) | 85.040 | $66037$ | 29% Total amount claimd | $7 billion | $5,6billion | 29 Source:NDI S internal administrative data

Skills and qualifications considered fairly transferable between disability support aged care childcare positions Table outlines wages offered by major job platforms as April with DSW being highest compared aged child carer.

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TABLE 2: RELATIVE WAGES OF DSW, AGED CARERS AND CHILD CARERS

| Occupation | Employment | Seek ($/hour Australian average) | Indeed ($) / hour Australian average | PayScale $/ | |- |- | || | DSW | 240 , 000 (2020) | $30 - ``$40 | $35 .4 | $28 € | Aged carer | 196, 000 (2020)| $25-``$35 | $32 .1 | $24.2 | Child carer | **217,** *619*(2021*)|$25-$30*$ ||$31.0 | $24.4*

Source: NDIS Workforce Plan CEDA ECEC National Workforce Census Estimates exclude nurses and allied health professionals wages from seek; indeed pay scale.

Table provides a summary showing the costing impact relative to Scheme projections for different temporary loading scenarios. As previously discussed scheme projection assumes that full two percent will be removed on 1 July so there is no financial impact first scenario.

TABLE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT ASSESSMENTS OF OPTIONS TO PHASE OUT THE TEMPORARY LOADING ($m)

Impact ($) | $2023/24$ | |- | || AFSR Scheme Expenses Temporary Loading Scenario Impact) Remove 2% loading from Jul 2023 -$0$m Reduce to 1 % then remove from Jul 2024 +$286$m Keep until Jul keep from data onwards+$573*m Temporary Loading Scenarion (%) Impact) Remove loadin from Jul 2023 .0% Reduceto 1 %then removfrom jul 2024 .7% Keep until july 2024 then removdata onwards.4

Agency.

Insurance

Disability

National

Released information:

The act that was

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• Physiotherapy ($$67 million) • Psychology ($$39 million). Payments for the top $5 supports amounted to (0 billion$, comprising %4%ofthe total Scheme spendon therapy inthesix months t o December 2022. Exercise physiologists icurrently lowerthan most other types oft herapiesin NDIS $( compared with $193 .9 ) in Pricing Arrangement and Price Limits.The Departmento f Veterans Affair last year had a standard mins session now reported as minutes.This is an increase hourly rate from $133 ,to $203 since last year.ComCare did not provide informationfor exercisephysiologistsinthelast APR but have thisyearreported apricing rangefrom $96,70 depending on location.Morover,MBS’s effectivehourlyrate around $198 The JobsandSkills Australia(formerly knownas National Skills Commission) projects employment growth ofentire Australian workforce five years November at %.Thegrowthinthetherapy space will continue overthis periodwith therapists making up three of eleven fastest growing occupations those being Audiologists Speech Pathologists (%, close four times projected rate Growth entireAustralian work force over thatperiod), Podiatrists (%) Physiotherapist between nd Table

TABLE: EMPLOYMENT LEVELS BY OCCUPATION, AND NSC PROJECTIONS,

table	Occupation Code	Employment level -November (’000)	Projectedemploymentlevel-(’000)	Projected employ ment growfive to Novem ber 2026(%)
audiology spee pathologists/Therapists	1.3	.6	.4.	%
podiatrist	&5·>.5&
counsellors	%a%	a%.	.%	.
occupational therapist	€.&a€/</td>

A comparison other therapy schemes shows general indexation prices compared the APR across following types therapies(Figure) • Audiol ogist s • Counsellers • Dietitians ExercisePhysiologist NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group(PARG) April

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• Occupational Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Podiatrists
• Prosthetists
• Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Speech Therapists
• Therapy/Allied Health Assistants. Figure 6: OTHER SCHEME PRICING COMPARED TO NDIS 2022-23*

4. Support Coordination and Plan management

Table 6**: SUPPORT COORDINATION SCHEMЕ STATISTICS*

	July - Dec 2022	July - Dec 2021
	Growth
This document was released under the Freedom of Information Act redacted (FOI) on April, 2023 by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

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| Total number of NDIS participants | $428 million | |-| || |$372 million || $Total amount claimed$ Source: Internal NDIS data April 2023.

Table summaries and statistics:

TABLE 6 summarises plan management fees over six months December 2022; payments were made in preceding period totaling ($$227 .7 ) with service providers paid behalf active managers (58% all).

TABLE 7 shows Plan Management Scheme Statistics July Dec 2022 vs Jul-Dec-2021 growth percentages as follows:\n* NDIS Participants: +27%

• Active Providers: +13%
• Plan Management Fees :+14%. Source:Internal NDIS Data, Apr -2023. Over half used a manager during Qtr Dec 2022 nearly half from budgets managed.

OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE

DISCLOSURE LOG

Figure 7: Distribution Of Payments By Method Of Plan Management October 2020 - December 2022

Source: NDIS internal administrative data

Out of the *1,797 plan managers that provided services, the largest five plan managers received $2.$ billion payments during July to December 2022, which is redacted%of total plan managed payments.`

These top five plan managers have dominated the market over the past nine quarters having consistently stayed in the top ten.

OFFICIAL: SENSITIVE

Disclosure Log

Figure 8: Scheme Expenditure For The Largest Five Plan Managers Based On Total Payments October 2020 – December 2022

Source: redacted NDIA Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) April 23, Page 726/1049

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DOCUMENT 58

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) Meeting: 20 April 2023

Members
Chair
Pricing Reference Group Members
Participating Observer nominated by CEO
Secretariat

• Welcome and apologies

• No apologies received - Declaration of conflicts of interest
• No conflicts of interest received Update by the Chair The Chair begins acknowledging members on call today’s meeting is an important step in progress Annual Pricing Review they will be speaking NDIS review weeks time. The Chair acknowledges high level interested consultation period which over responses. High-level summary planned upcoming Board Meeting aim final recommendations end May .The Chair acknowledges ongoing public discussion around cost but emphasises price decisions should made independently context while

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - For Official Use Only

Minutes

• Members keep balance between participant needs & scheme’s financial sustainability. • The chair had conversations with sector stakeholders including NDS CEO who framed annual price review as less extensive than last year but does not affect current review due to shared perspective among stakeholders.

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• A member highlighted three main issues: scheme costs*, staff retention**, balancing entry vs cost pressures.

Scheme Costs:

The cost of the scheme could be driven up by factors other than price* such as an increase in the number of participants, it’s crucial to analyse correctly determine cause; cautious needed when addressing with price cost problem, as unintended consequences can occur.* o Staff Retention:*Observation potential workforce pressure sector,with a need pay above award attract staff due tight labour market and complexity industry growing small business owners. o Entry vs Cost Pressure:Entry data needs examined closely determine whether increased providers is actual new entrants or former employees large organisations starting their businesses, which low wages being paid through award payment rather increasing competition from outside sectors entering. • The speaker acknowledges valuable points raised members regarding specific provider entrance exits understand workforce challenges better Kee also mentioned analysis around wages awards considered still Fair Work Commission will guide Agency provides Agency interested exploring impact rising costs on providers discussed further under economic conditions. • A member agreed volume problems should not confused issue appendix shows underlying cost driving problem. Members suggest understanding participant needs essential substantial difference Government options must consider.

SCHADS efficient Price Limit

• Pricing linked to efficient based awarded changes increases determining prices noting productivity over time Complexity reflected higher wages paid support workers used comment about plan managers expanding participants clarify.
• Data show number using plan managers per provider increasing However early interpretation pushed hard.
• Member noted that self-management remains relatively stable indicating capacity-building efforts may be more practical Additionally fact people switching agency outsourced management does necessarily mean they becoming capable managing themselves.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

Additional Analysis

• A Member wanted to understand what additional analysis would be presented before making decisions; they were concerned necessary evidence still could come forth but did not want rush into debating solutions. They specifically asked if there will an update about efficient costs during their presentation next time?

Kee plans a more robust conceptual framework across four sectors under review, including presenting data uniformly so it’s easier follow along with. The Agency wants focus market dynamics provider health as well price monitoring comparisons other sectors too!

Accordingly Kee states vision current mission considering updating pricing strategy document.

DSW Cost Model and Temporary Loading (2%)

• A member inquired whether updating cost model to DSW one essential supporting loading rate 2%. They believe doing this work make clearer decision regarding continuing that load or not concern raised.

Another suggested using either benchmarking approach modeling method for NDIS services updates some services may fit benchmarks others like Support Manager Plan roles might need inflation reviews instead! Using known inflators such SCHADS award shifts CPI etc give idea of how much costs now assuming business structure same.

a Committee highlighted limitations used data. Benchmarking can help improve reliability productivity gains when adjusting bases significantly impact overall cost structures finally starting from scratch useful dealing poor-quality data must consider all relevant factors including neoclassical symptoms indicators entries exits.

Economic Conditions

• Kee discussed economic conditions section paper highlighting subdued economy potential pressure supply care sector due competition labor mentioned easing expected second half year. A Member noted open borders immigration could mitigate the potential pressures on supplies within a care sector, suggesting looking at migration statistics assess future relative past also separately provided comments by email papers considered meeting Agency.

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting Minutes

• Kee discussed the sustainability impact assessment related DSW support and option keep gradually reduce loading temporary 2%. They noted decision complex depends other four areas review highlighted watch out more data available once again while revisiting area. It increase initially introduced COVID adjustment inflation adjustment still people often need clarification different issues may push back them feel they need up with inflation whether keep original reason introduction valid Chair summarised challenge face tension those using 2% loading stay afloat genuinely use intended purpose disability providers safety aspects market entries exits segment emphasises importance keeping mind decide decision makers extra funding based quantitative evidence overall on market sector essential consider vulnerable participants risk decisions made Kee comments David’s last point, emphasizing understanding perspectives consumers groups better their needs price address concerns 4.1 Next Meeting The next PARG expected occur May details confirmed closer date.

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DOCUMENT 59

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG) Meeting: 12 May 2023

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting

Minutes

the disability support price and the decision regarding the temporary loading as key focus areas.

Acceptance of Minutes from last meeting

• Minutes of the meeting held on April 20th were accepted unanimously among all members.

Annual Pricing Review Update APR 2022–23

Kee provided an update concerning draft recommendations based upon evidence gathered through data analysis; they highlighted ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing supporting documentation with additional topics that will be discussed later during this session:

Inactive Providers

A participant emphasized missing critical details about business dynamism within their paper while addressing transactional exit approximations using payment records specifically for the support coordination sector (with low levels inactive providers: approximately .5% annually). They plan to incorporate these statistics into strengthening arguments related thereto; • Kee noted inactivity is used instead of ‘exit’ when referring to six-monthly periods without receiving payments, despite some historical claims existing which she acknowledged may not fully represent reality due its imperfectionality, gerrie raised concerns over potential market shifts towards smaller traders or unregistered service suppliers if no increase occurs amongst support coordinators’ remuneration rates. This could lead sole trader operations potentially compromising quality although currently lacking a proxy measure thereof.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

highlighted that there’s an urgent need for increased powers to enforce surveys due to incomplete responses. • Chair advised market has responded well with Ability First & Stuart Brown leading aged care/disability benchmarks; contributions must be acknowledged without devaluing roles; The project offers opportunities on disability supports’ benchmark discussions considering power/price-setting differences.

Cancellations:

• Kee raised seven-day cancellation rule media attention during COVID pandemic, public concerns about its applicability, majority found alternative shifts but reports participants charged emerged. Due time constraints detailed recommendation cannot provided further analysis will address issue particularly SCHADS award coverage under current policy explore potential solutions bridge gaps complexities differentiating between covered non-covered workers Fair Work Commission ruling requires careful consideration before concluding.

Inflation:

A member raises assumptions regarding ongoing efficiencies sector lack indexation various cost categories except support coordination emphasize philosophical discussion these assumptions and indexing account inflation wage increases.
 The challenge assuming providers can absorb inflation evidence supporting claim specifically highlights difference in therapy supports compared efficient model used previously change positioning NDIS prices current costs structures prices used Benchmarking They raise concern setting next year price impact past months expected future inflaion.

A member points out deficiencies DSW Cost Model acknowledging 20% of costs beyond wages adjustments administration utilities other expenses as models lacking such CPI increase for additional supports only The difficulty selling approach when adjustments made specific support category allied health excluded highlight workforce shortages inefficiencies inconsistent across all categories need precise comprehensive explanation or discussion adjusting rationale avoid confusion dissatisfaction among providers propose incorporating operational costs & CPI adjustment disability workers create stronger argument coherent framework decision-making.

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

• Kee acknowledges concerns raised about managing indexation within given timeframes, considering structural changes as an alternative approach.

DSW Cost Model

• Suggest presenting Disability Support Workers model updates without changing entire structure; clarify all components are labor-based percentages; suggestion made due to transparency issues concern. • Highlight importance explaining cost increases reflecting wage rises per regulatory areas indexing prices/model components accordingly, talk therapy supports duration before CPI increase implementation, providers’ profitability & current inflation considerations, cautious not waiting until large provider exit market adjusting price adjustments avoid disruptions plan management multiple providers.

Support Coordination

Based observations gathered Chair believes more vital than plan management/therapy coordination might stronger argument due its cost-plus nature involvement coordinators board acknowledged belief scientific evidence emphasized existing recommendations still stand.

Recommendations (not numbered)

A member agrees emphasizing important present cost model supporting case question strong arguments efficient costs suggesting need consider options with respective advantages disadvantages. The Chair recognizes challenge quantifying additional COVID/SCHADS impact on providers but notes difficulty precisely quantify justify reduction from 2%1%. They suggest exploring broader measures economy data points demonstrate unwinding effect of COVID further justification for the reduction. A member suggests looking into aged care sector potential data impacts related costs mention residential facilities in aged care faced similar challenges vulnerable populations support workers needing stay home.

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

They propose exploring if the aged care sector has monitored and documented the impact of COVID-related costs, which could provide valuable data to support the 1% reduction argument.

• Another member highlighted those specific changes in COVID-related protocols had decreased the intensity and extent of response required, resulting in reduced costs. They suggest pointing out these changes as justification for cost reduction providing evidence for decision making.
• A member seeks clarification regarding “pending review” framework timing adjustments asking whether it implies waiting before implementing or involves working while considering outcomes. Kee acknowledges aligning decisions with upcoming reviews ensuring coherence feasibilities.

Recommendation 3

Members agreed on including new family domestic violence leave model acknowledging some uncertainty loading (0.1%).

Recommendation 4

All members expressed agreement recommendation about aged care award noting SCHADS general nature no immediate impact request graph report comparing prices includes a significant increase aging care sector.

Recommendation 5

All members agree managing expectations gradually phasing TTP implementation highlighting maintaining consistency another supported phased intended emphasizing need contain swiftly eliminate payment different suggested allowing previous claimants reclaim payments excluding new approach defensible.

Recommendations 6 &7

A member raised concerns participants’ access full range services difficulty finding providers due price increases public consultation submissions feedback focused high fees charged therapy providers rather than accessing supports acknowledged importance addressing these concerns scepticism feasibility delaying indexing final year indicating alternative approaches future needed.

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting Minutes

• Another member agreed with not raising the pricing, acknowledging the upcoming year as the final opportunity for adjustments. They raised particular concern regarding paperwork and assessment costs in allied health professional services, suggesting need review assess their impact The member suggested further breakdown Services funding allocation particularly early childhood intervention related NDIS access.
• Remaining member agreed previous points emphasized might be last without increased therapy support They highlighted data indicates price approaching market signaling action future Member noted modeling based advertised rates may reflect something other actual charged government programs While compliance cost tend higher modelling focuses private patient charges.

Next MeetingThe next PARG expected occur on May from .

| # | Meeting | Action | Status | |-| | 1 | 20230302 | Revise consultation paper broadening questions recognize stakeholders (other than providers) narrow scope document | Closed | | 2 | 20230302 | Ensure recognition of NDIS Review | Closed | | 3 | 20230302 | Consultation will clearly define purpose identify types information likely to influence Board’s consideration. | Closed | | ●4○ | 20230302 | Clarify that stakeholders can still provide general perspectives coordination plan management, any provided considered by the NDIS Review. | Closed | | ⚘5 | 20230302 | Paper should acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. | Closed | | 6﷚ | 20230302 | Consider adding market monitoring changes analyze workforce demographics; this includes impact pricing. | Open | | ◍A7◊ | 20230512 | Recommendation present DSW Cost Model board Report be more explicit about how model works clarify all components done as percentage labour spent. | Open | | ◟A8◜ | 20230512 | Regarding recommendation suggest need consider presenting options with respective advantages disadvantages of board. | Open | | 9 | 20230512 | Suggestion use aged care sector for potential data on COVID-related costs. | Open | | 10 | 20230512 | Provide clarification meaning “pending review” . | Open | | ●4 | 20230512 | Clarification graph report compares prices include increase in the aged care sector. | Open |

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DOCUMENT 60

Delivered by:

• ndis: Delivered by ndis

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group (PARG)

Meeting: Tuesday, May 17th at Microsoft Teams.

Members

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

• Feedback regarding differentiation between levels one, two, three support coordination treatment need explanation; concerns raised about necessity level considering limited number claims emphasize why sector being treated differently indexation.
• Member acknowledged concern expressed empathy potential quality safety issues highlighted consistency across groups evaluate arguments differential treatment needed consider.
• Two key aspects pointed out: higher proportion workers pay tied award greater participant risk argued could apply compared therapy plan management supports.
• Another agreed splitting difficult justify suggests estimating people on SCHADS Award proportional increase accordingly lower percentage emphasizes developing cost model group effectively addressing issue.
• Suggest leaving recommendation as committing soon possible believe quality aspect improvement differentiate from other services highlights uncertainty worker data indicating comprehensive information necessary for more effective development.

Recommendation 9:

All members agree with this recommendation suggested including consumer element such participants satisfaction ratings explore relationship provider size along anecdotes highlighting individual experiences perspectives working smaller startups larger organizations within NDIA also idea conducting survey further insights if still needs created Chair acknowledges distribution providers shift towards smaller might not directly indicate change in quality instead reflect ability sole traders offer service efficiently due to overhead costs market dynamics and choices influenced economic factors rather than reflecting quality member explained assessing whether participants receiving desired services small providers is cost-effective generates satisfactory outcomes essential evaluating participant outcomes crucial determining pricing strategies promote better value money or undermine it. Also suggest regional variations analysis specific regions particularly rural remote areas develop tailored strategies unique each region.

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Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

Recommendation 10

• All members agreed on this.

Gerrie mentioned challenges managing plans using scheme funds after a participant’s death; legal implications need consideration while evaluating how support coordination can legally fund itself as suggested before adopting these recommendations accordingly. Legal advice may adjust wording needed based funding approach. A member raised concerns about clarity regarding recommendation #10 suggesting more specificity outlining when action taken should consider relevant factors provide context rationale feedback sector.

Recommendation 11

All members expressed agreement with this one too.

a member acknowledges cybersecurity costs necessary business expense although no immediate changes page . They emphasize addressing ongoing increasing cyber security cost future considerations sentence page suggests revising statement better clarify wage competitiveness impact staff recruitment retention.

Recommendation 12

All members also agree here, Regarding review process and intention conduct annually starting next continuing subsequent years implies annual completion initial review. another member raises importance providing detailed explanation adopted indexation method to ensure transparency understanding stakeholders involved in decision-making.

Recommendation 13

All members again agreed unanimously for it.

Next Meeting

The Chair thanked everyone valuable feedback discussions throughout the process report sent board will provided reference emphasized group’s role confidence recommendations acknowledged entire team hard work reconvene coming months likely August September discuss following year plan.

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FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting Minutes