7541 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister for Disability Issues

7541 (2025). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister for Disability Issues: What directives, if any, has the Ministry of Social Development provided NASC (Needs Assessment Service Co-ordination) for the reduction of spending?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development that there has been no directive given to NASCs to reduce spending. Every NASC received a budget for this year (2024/25) that was higher than the full year expenditure for the previous year (2023/24). The increases averaged 6.1 percent. Part of NASCs' role is to prioritise support allocations based on need and available funding. As such, some NASCs have reviewed and changed packages in line with needs. I also refer the member to my response to written parliamentary question 7538 (2025).