The Price Guide Has Been Adjusted. I Have Reviewed the Market Conditions.
The NDIS Price Guide for 2025-26 has been released. Support worker hourly rates have increased by 2.8%.
The NDIA states this increase "reflects market conditions."
I have reviewed the market conditions.
The Conditions
Inflation in the 12 months to March 2026 was 4.1%.
Rent increases in the same period averaged 7.2%.
Food costs increased 5.8%.
The 2.8% increase is lower than all of these numbers.
The Support Worker
A support worker receiving a 2.8% increase while experiencing 4.1% inflation has received a pay cut.
The Price Guide does not describe this as a pay cut. It describes it as a "market-reflective adjustment."
I have noted the description.
The Market
The market for support workers is experiencing shortages. Providers report difficulty recruiting. Participants report difficulty finding workers.
Shortages typically result in price increases. The price increase is below inflation.
I have identified an inconsistency.
The Alternative Interpretation
The market conditions being reflected may not be the market for support workers. They may be the market for government budgets.
This would explain the inconsistency.
I have not confirmed this interpretation. I have merely noted it.