Workforce issues in the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme : complex support needs ready?

Background: Australia's implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme relies heavily on a skilled workforce, competent to meet the needs of scheme participants. Aims: This article raises concerns about NDIS workforce planning issues as they relate to people with intellectual disability and complex support needs. Approach/ Method: The paper uses population level measures to estimate the likely significant presence of NDIS participants with intellectual disability and complex support needs, and summarises the predicted growth in the disability workforce. Using this data together with the research literature, a number of challenges about developing and maintaining the skills of the workforce are proposed. Findings and implications: If the NDIS is to ensure a workforce ready to support participants with intellectual disability and complex support needs these challenges require immediate action, the absence of which could mean the very real potential of market failure for this vulnerable group.