Thousands of Victorians with complex disability are at risk of losing both their group homes and the carers they depend on, The Age reported today, naming Melba among five organisations appointed to take over Victoria’s former government-run disability group homes.
In response, Melba’s Acting CEO, Melissa Webster, has issued the following statement.
Recent media reports have raised concerns about the future of Supported Independent Living (SIL) in Victoria and the financial viability of providers like Melba Support Services.
I want to be clear from the outset: Melba remains financially sustainable, with strong governance, independent audits and prudent financial management in place.
I also want to reassure everyone in the Melba community that no person living in Melba SIL accommodation will be left without a place to live on 1 January. Stable, appropriate housing that meets people’s individual needs and preferences is – and always will be – our priority.
That said, the article correctly highlights real challenges across the sector. Current NDIS pricing for SIL does not cover the true cost of delivering safe, high-quality 24/7 support, particularly for people with complex needs. This puts pressure on registered providers and, ultimately, on people with disability – an outcome that is unacceptable.
As we outlined in a joint statement to The Age, housing choices in the disability sector, like everything else, are evolving and while there is still demand for shared living, there are also other options that people are choosing to take up and we know that accounts for some of the closures we are seeing, but not all.
We are working actively with government, the NDIA, and sector partners to find sustainable solutions that reflect the real cost of quality care and ensure people’s housing and supports remain secure.
We are ready to be part of the solution, but we can’t keep doing more with less.
At the end of the day this is about people, not numbers or systems. Everyone should have access to appropriate, safe, quality housing that works for them.
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