More children start exiting as scheme shows signs of slowing [Video]

Children are exiting the National Disability Insurance Scheme in growing numbers and 25,000 fewer Australians joined this financial year than the one before, in signs Bill Shorten’s reforms to the $42 billion program could start to slow its steep growth curve.

The latest NDIS quarterly report reveals scheme spending for 2023-24 came in $600 million below the budget estimate. The number of new participants grew 8 per cent but dropped below a double-digit increase for the first time in years.

The signs of moderation come as Shorten, the NDIS minister, seeks to push through major changes to the schemethat will temper growth further, including by limiting the type of support people can access. He faces a backlash from state premiers and disability advocates, although he is closer to securing Coalition support to get his …