Minister for Disability Issues highlights improvements.
The New Zealand government has made significant progress in stabilizing the disability support system, according to Minister Louise Upston. The efforts aim to deliver better outcomes for disabled people and provide fair, consistent, and transparent services.
In August 2024, an independent review made recommendations to improve the system. Six months on, substantial work has been done. Key advancements include transferring Disability Support Services (DSS) to a branded business unit of MSD, completing a rapid review of residential contracts, and developing a pricing model for care. Additionally, efforts have been made to standardize services across NASCs and Enabling Good Lives sites, prioritize those in highest need, and implement fiscal discipline.
Minister Upston acknowledges that while good progress has been made, there is still work to be done to ensure the system's sustainability. A taskforce will soon begin further work to strengthen disability support services, with community engagement set to continue later this year.