Disability and aged care providers will now have access to new data on supply and demand for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and aged care services.

This is made possible by the launch of the Care Sector Demand Map.

The Care Sector Demand Map replaces the NDIS Demand Map, which was launched in 2019 under the Boosting the Local Care Workforce program and includes aged care alongside disability services data for the first time.

Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten said the development of the new map will play a crucial role in understanding local demand for NDIS and aged care services.

“The Care Sector Demand Map will be a valuable tool for providers across Australia to identify opportunities for future growth and allow them to make informed decisions about expanding their footprint and service offerings,” Minister Shorten said.

“The map will provide users with detailed data on the number of participants and workers at the local level across Australia along with information about support needs in each community.”

Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells said the launch of the Care Sector Demand Map highlighted the Government’s commitment to strengthening the care and support sector to better meet the needs of older Australians and people with disability.

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“Disability support and aged care workers play an invaluable role in our community, and we know that building strong, local workforces is key to addressing service delivery gaps,” said Minister Wells.

“As we look towards the future, it is vital that we continue to champion growth and expansion in the care and support sector, particularly in rural, regional and remote communities, to better meet the needs of Australians requiring care.”

Map users can obtain information about NDIS and aged care services and supports provided including:

• How many people are receiving services;
• Which types of services are provided;
• How many providers are operating; and
• What has been spent on these services.

The map can also help organisations plan for the future with NDIS forecast information that includes:

• What volume of each service and support will be needed to meet demand; and
• How many workers would be required to meet demand, by occupation.

Users are able to access the map from their smartphone, tablet, or computer.

It will be updated annually with data from the previous financial year, with 2023-24 data expected to be available late in 2024.