Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my profound frustration and disappointment with the National Disability Insurance Scheme's (NDIS) recent Annual Pricing Review, particularly regarding the persistent undervaluation of plan management services.

For six consecutive years, the monthly plan management fee has remained stagnant, despite significant increases in our operational costs, including staffing, technology, and compliance.

The recent decision to abolish the initial setup fee further undermines our financial viability, especially for small to medium-sized businesses like ours that are deeply embedded in local communities.

It is equally troubling that plan management is consistently and inaccurately characterised as merely "processing and paying invoices."

This gross misrepresentation completely overlooks the crucial and extensive role we play in supporting participants and safeguarding the integrity of the scheme.

My team provides a holistic, highly personalized service that goes far beyond financial administration.

We empower participants to take control of their NDIS plans, acting as vital intermediaries between participants and providers.

We operate a physical office with an open-door policy, offering face-to-face support without appointments to all NDIS participants, regardless of how their plan is managed.

We aren't just administrators; we're educators, advocates, problem-solvers, and a critical safety net for the individuals we support.

Our role is hands-on, proactive, and essential. We are often the first point of contact when a participant is confused, overwhelmed, or unsupported.

We bridge the gaps between policy, funding, and people, doing so with compassion, lived experience, and an unwavering commitment to participant choice and control.

The current pricing structure isn't just outdated; it actively discourages the very quality, innovation, and accessibility that the NDIS aims to uphold.

It's time for the agency to fundamentally re-evaluate its perception of plan management and ensure its policies and pricing accurately reflect the complexity, risk, and true value of our services.

As a minimum, the NDIS must reconsider passing on only the 3.5 percent wage and 0.5 percent superannuation increase to support coordination and plan management pricing from July 1 and reverse the cuts to establishment fees.

Furthermore, implementing an independent, transparent pricing model that accurately reflects the genuine cost of service delivery, including wage pressures and compliance costs, is imperative.

Dimity Southwell

Plan Manager at Balance Plan Managers