DOCUMENT 2
FOI 25/26-0905
From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Lauren on behalf of media
Sent: Thursday, 4 September 2025 11:24 AM
To: News; media
Subject: RE: Menzies NDIS analysis [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Hi Jacqui,
The information we have is also from the publicly available data.
We are putting together lines to address access is not based on area rather substantial reduction of functional capacity.
Will send them to you once cleared.
Kind Regards
Lauren redacted: s47F - personal privacy
a/g Assistant Director Media
Media | Strategic Communications Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
Phone: redacted: s47F - personal privacy
Email: lauren.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@ndis.gov.au
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From: News Sent: Thursday, 4 September 2025 11:35 AM To: News ; media Subject: RE: Menzies NDIS analysis [SEC=OFFICIAL]
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OFFICIAL
Hi team,
Our policy area has suggested you might be able to provide data on demographics of NDIS participants with Autism, as well as data on EI pathways and participation rates?
We can point to publicly available NDIS data on demographics of NDIS participants with Autism by age and NDIS Service Districts, but this doesn’t quite match the locations in the enquiry (not sure if you would have this data).
DHDA is putting together some general lines on autism supports (including NAS and funding), which we can share once finalised.
Grateful if you could please let us know what you are looking to provide the MO?
Cheers, Jacqui
OFFICIAL
From: News news@health.gov.au Sent: Thursday, 4 September 2025 8:22 AM To: media media@ndis.gov.au Cc: News news@health.gov.au Subject: FW: Menzies NDIS analysis [SEC=OFFICIAL]
OFFICIAL
Hi team,
Confirming the enquiry below is one for the NDIA to respond to.
Thanks, Jason
Jason redacted: s47F - personal privacy
Assistant Director
Media and Events, Corporate Communication Branch
Australian Government, Department of Health, Disability
T: redacted: s47F - personal privacy | E jason.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@health.gov.au
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OFFICIAL
From: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Lucy <Lucy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>
Sent: Thursday, 4 September 2025 8:15 AM
To: News news@health.gov.au; media media@ndis.gov.au
Cc: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Keely <Keely.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - personal privacy Enya <Enya.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - personal privacy Isabella <Isabella redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - personal privacy , Leonidas <Leonidas.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>; redacted: s47F - personal privacy Lucy <Lucy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>
Subject: Fw: Menzies NDIS analysis
Hey can the dept and agency provide us a few lines in response to these questions pls
From: Michael redacted: s47F - personal privacy <michael.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@afr.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 4, 2025 7:50 am
To: redacted: s47F - personal privacy Lucy <Lucy.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@Health.gov.au>
Subject: Menzies NDIS analysis
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Hi Lucy,
I am writing a story today based around (embargoed) research from the Menzies Centre which shows discrepancies in NDIS participation, particularly for autism and developmental delays, depending on where you live in Sydney. Rates are as much as six times.
The analysis by Nico Louw (who I note is a former adviser to Morrison) suggests participation rates are as much as six times higher in lower socio-economic areas in western Sydney, NW and SW Sydney, than more affluent council areas in the city’s north and east. They have only analysed Sydney data using NDIA and ABS stats.
For eg. the percentage of residents who are on NDIS with autism as primary diagnosis is 1 in 70 residents, or 1.43 per cent, in the Blue Mountains compared to 1 in 415, or 0.24 per cent, in the City of Sydney council area.
Menzies and other commentators say the data highlights the need for the government to have a clearer understanding of where the needs are and why this is happening.
Let me know if the Minister wants to comment.
Thanks
Mike
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Michael redacted: s47F - personal privacy
Health Editor
The Australian Financial Review
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Mobile redacted: s47F - personal privacy
michael.redacted: s47F - personal privacy@afr.com.au
Twitter @redacted: s47F - personal privacy
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