Research examining official National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participation data with the Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates to examine how NDIS use varies by geographic areas within greater Sydney. 

The report examines total NDIS active participant numbers, as well as participants with a diagnosis of autism, developmental delay, intellectual disability or psychosocial disability. It conducted a targeted analysis of NDIS participant data across Greater Sydney. Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Population data was used to construct population estimates for the relevant areas, in order to determine the approximate percentage of the population in these areas who were NDIS participants.

Key findings

• The data showed significant variations in NDIS participation rates and specific disability rates across Greater Sydney.
• NDIS participation rates and rates of autism, developmental delay and intellectual disability are generally much higher than the average (for Greater Sydney) in Western Sydney, North West Sydney and South West Sydney. They are much lower in Northern and Eastern Sydney.
• Rates of psychosocial disability are more geographically varied and do not follow a clear pattern.
• The overall NDIS participation rate in a given LGA appears strongly correlated with the rate of intellectual disability and developmental delay, and somewhat correlated with the rate of autism. It does not appear to be correlated with the rate of psychosocial disability.