There’s a common misconception in public debate that programs like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are a financial burden that the Australian Government might struggle to afford. But the truth is much simpler: the Australian Government can always afford to fund the NDIS, because it creates the currency we all use.
Unlike households or businesses, the Government doesn’t need to “save up” before it can spend. It doesn’t need to tax first or borrow from somewhere else before it can fund services. Every time the government spends—whether on the NDIS, hospitals, roads, the military — it does so by creating new dollars. There is no risk of the government running out of Australian dollars, because the Government is where dollars come from in the first place.
So when people ask whether we can afford the NDIS, they’re really asking the wrong question. The right question is whether we have enough real resources—skilled workers, therapists, carers, technology, infrastructure—to deliver the services properly. That’s what truly matters. As long as there are people looking for work and capacity in the economy, there is no barrier to increasing spending on essential services like the NDIS.
It’s also worth remembering that the NDIS isn’t just a cost—it’s an investment in people. Supporting Australians with disability means greater inclusion, better quality of life, and stronger communities. The conversation shouldn’t be about whether we can afford it, but about how we can ensure the scheme is run effectively and meets the needs of participants.
The bottom line? Affording the NDIS isn’t about balancing a budget. It’s about using the resources we have to build a fairer and more inclusive Australia.