Hey team!
I’ve read the BIG 2025 disability sector report so you don’t have to 😂
Here’s the simple, straight-to-the-point version — fun, easy, and actually readable.
💥1. The disability sector is under serious pressure
Across Australia, providers say things are getting harder — not easier.
Most services feel unsure about their future because of money problems, staffing issues, and constant NDIS rule changes.
💸2. Almost half of all providers lost money this year
Yup. Nearly 1 in 2 organisations finished the year in the red.
And 81% said they cannot keep delivering supports at today’s NDIS prices.
When prices don’t match real costs, the fallout is real:
fewer services available
staff cuts
less innovation
more risk for participants
🆘 3. Providers are doing massive amounts of unpaid work
77% of organisations delivered supports they were never paid for.
The average cost?
👉 $460,000 per provider 😳
This unpaid work includes:
crisis support
assisting when plans run out
supporting families with system navigation
travel
underfunded SIL
emergencies
Unfunded work has become “normal” — even though no one is paid for it.
🛡️ 4. Quality costs money — but NDIS pricing doesn’t match
Registered providers meet strict quality and safety rules.
Unregistered providers don’t.
But both get paid the same rate.
This puts heavy financial pressure on the providers doing things properly.
📉 5. Providers + NDIA = A strained relationship
The sector said the vibes are… not good.
Providers reported:
low trust
slow processes
poor communication
too many changes
not enough consultation
And 92% said the policy environment feels uncertain.
🧑⚕️ 6. Workforce shortages are huge
The hardest roles to recruit in 2025:
speech therapy
OT
psychology
behaviour support
dietetics
Support worker recruitment is still tough too — especially in regional Australia.
Why staff leave:
burnout
low pay
inconsistent hours
high emotional load
other providers offering higher wages
🚫 7. Providers can’t meet demand
77% of providers had to say no to new service requests.
Reasons include:
no staff
plans didn’t cover the needed support
needs too complex
travel too expensive
service not offered
📉 8. Sector growth has stalled
Only 45% of organisations are trying to grow.
Most are staying the same size because the risk is too high.
A smaller group is preparing to exit the sector completely.
⭐ 9. Quality still matters — even when money is tight
Providers say quality means:
person-centred practice
trained workers
strong communication
compliance with standards
continuous improvement
Barriers:
low pricing
admin overload
workforce shortages
complex NDIS rules
🧑💼 10. Disability Employment Services (DES) still struggling
Providers say DES is:
financially unstable
heavy on admin
unclear in future direction
The new model might help, but no one knows yet.
🏢 11. Supported employment is still unstable
82% of providers said nothing feels more stable than last year.
🌐 12. Providers are trying to innovate — but tech can’t fix broken pricing
The report highlights that many providers are:
adopting new technology
collaborating more
improving systems
going digital
streamlining operations
BUT the report is clear:
👉 Innovation cannot replace sustainable funding.
Even the most efficient, tech-driven services cannot run safely or long-term if pricing does not match real-world costs.
This is exactly why the sector feels so stretched.
funding for the unpaid work they already do
💚 Why SwiftyMatchy Cares
People deserve real choice, real connection, and real quality supports — without the chaos.
This report shows exactly why SwiftyMatchy exists: to make finding the right support simple, safe, and actually human.
🔗 Want to read the whole document?
If you’re brave enough for the full version, here it is:
👉 Click to open the full NDS 2025 State of the Disability Sector Report
(Heads up: it’s massive. Bring a drink, a snack, and maybe a chair.)
(Warning: it’s huge. Grab a tea. Or three.)
Till then,
Keep your boots high, your standards higher. 👢✨
Stay bratty, stay bold. 💋
— Team SwiftyMatchy
💌 Email Sarah — the Swifty you didn’t know you needed for unfiltered NDIS truth bombs: [email protected]