Patterns in the Access, Utilisation and Budget Allocation of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Psychosocial Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with Mental Health Needs: A Case Study from South East Queensland

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First published online 19 November 2025.

Why this study was done

This study explored how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with psychosocial disability (disability arising from mental health conditions) access and use NDIS supports in South East Queensland. The researchers wanted to understand whether NDIS funding and services were meeting the needs of First Nations participants with mental health-related disabilities.

What the study did

The researchers analysed NDIS participant data from South East Queensland. They examined patterns of access to the NDIS, the amount of funding participants received, and how participants used their allocated budgets for psychosocial supports.

What the study found

The study found several differences in how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants accessed and used NDIS psychosocial supports:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with psychosocial disability were under-represented in the NDIS compared with the expected level of need within the community.
  • Many participants faced barriers when applying for and accessing the NDIS, including difficulties navigating complex systems and obtaining supporting evidence.
  • Participants often did not use all of their allocated funding, suggesting that available supports were not always accessible, culturally appropriate, or available when needed.
  • Geographic location, workforce shortages, and limited culturally safe service options affected participants' ability to use their plans effectively.
  • Funding allocations alone did not guarantee that participants could access suitable supports.

What this means

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of mental health challenges and are more likely to face barriers when accessing health and disability services. If NDIS psychosocial supports are difficult to access or use, people may miss out on services that could improve their wellbeing, independence, and participation in community life.

The findings highlight the need for culturally safe, community-led approaches that better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the NDIS process.

The study suggests that outcomes may improve through:

  • Greater investment in culturally safe and Indigenous-led disability services.
  • Better support to help people apply for and navigate the NDIS.
  • Improved access to psychosocial support providers, particularly in underserved areas.
  • Stronger partnerships between mental health services, disability services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations.
  • Ongoing monitoring of equity in NDIS access and outcomes.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Xiaoyun Zhou, Ms. Claudia Pagliaro, Mr. Manuel Wailan, Dr. Carmel Nelson, Associate Professor Shuichi Suetani, Mr. Randall Frazer, Ms. Tamsyn Borton, Mr. Rayno Potgieter, Dr. Tabinda Basit, Dr. Hayley Williams, Professor Yan Liu, Dr. Lihong Zhang, Professor Xiang-Yu Hou, Professor Roxanne Bainbridge, Professor Harvey Whiteford and Associate Professor Sandra Diminic.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 19 November 2025.

Why this study was done

This study explored how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with psychosocial disability (disability arising from mental health conditions) access and use NDIS supports in South East Queensland. The researchers wanted to understand whether NDIS funding and services were meeting the needs of First Nations participants with mental health-related disabilities.

What the study did

The researchers analysed NDIS participant data from South East Queensland. They examined patterns of access to the NDIS, the amount of funding participants received, and how participants used their allocated budgets for psychosocial supports.

What the study found

The study found several differences in how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants accessed and used NDIS psychosocial supports:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with psychosocial disability were under-represented in the NDIS compared with the expected level of need within the community.
  • Many participants faced barriers when applying for and accessing the NDIS, including difficulties navigating complex systems and obtaining supporting evidence.
  • Participants often did not use all of their allocated funding, suggesting that available supports were not always accessible, culturally appropriate, or available when needed.
  • Geographic location, workforce shortages, and limited culturally safe service options affected participants' ability to use their plans effectively.
  • Funding allocations alone did not guarantee that participants could access suitable supports.

What this means

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience higher rates of mental health challenges and are more likely to face barriers when accessing health and disability services. If NDIS psychosocial supports are difficult to access or use, people may miss out on services that could improve their wellbeing, independence, and participation in community life.

The findings highlight the need for culturally safe, community-led approaches that better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the NDIS process.

The study suggests that outcomes may improve through:

  • Greater investment in culturally safe and Indigenous-led disability services.
  • Better support to help people apply for and navigate the NDIS.
  • Improved access to psychosocial support providers, particularly in underserved areas.
  • Stronger partnerships between mental health services, disability services, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations.
  • Ongoing monitoring of equity in NDIS access and outcomes.

This study was conducted by: Dr. Xiaoyun Zhou, Ms. Claudia Pagliaro, Mr. Manuel Wailan, Dr. Carmel Nelson, Associate Professor Shuichi Suetani, Mr. Randall Frazer, Ms. Tamsyn Borton, Mr. Rayno Potgieter, Dr. Tabinda Basit, Dr. Hayley Williams, Professor Yan Liu, Dr. Lihong Zhang, Professor Xiang-Yu Hou, Professor Roxanne Bainbridge, Professor Harvey Whiteford and Associate Professor Sandra Diminic.

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone, and clarity and approved by the author.