News

At the end of last year, we began talking more openly about the advocacy work Melba is undertaking. That work has not only continued – it is ramping up. 

At Melba, one thing will never change: people we support always come first. People’s lives, rights and outcomes must remain the priority in everything we do. At the same time, our sector is facing the most difficult operating conditions in its history. Navigating this reality requires honesty, courage and a strong collective voice. 

Our commitment to a sustainable Melba is real. It is daily work, grounded in human rights, quality and transparency. Sustainability and quality are not competing goals – we are not choosing one over the other. We are fighting for both. 

Why advocacy matters now 

We are speaking up because the current system is not working as it should for people who rely on it – or for the organisations supporting them. 

We continue to advocate strongly for pricing and policy settings that reflect the real cost of delivering safe, person led, quality support, particularly for people with complex needs. The reality is that quality has a cost, and at present, the NDIS does not adequately fund for quality. 

Across the sector, we are seeing increasing pressure and instability: 

• The NDIS pricing model does not reflect the true cost of delivering quality services. 

• Providers are closing, highlighting just how fragile the sector has become. 

• In many cases, NDIS plans do not reflect people’s actual needs, and we are actively advocating for reviews where appropriate. 

• We are also advocating alongside members of the Melba community who have had their plans cut overnight, causing extreme distress and placing people at significant risk.  

• The costs of regulation and registration are not built into the current pricing structures,  placing registered providers at a significant disadvantage. 

We also know that people’s life experiences shape their future. Institutionalisation is real, and we must acknowledge that systems have not always worked well in the past. People who have borne the brunt of poor systems should not now face further disadvantage because of choices that were outside their control. 

Quality and registration matter 

Melba is a quality registered provider, and we believe registration matters. Being registered means meeting rigorous standards designed to protect people’s safety, rights and outcomes. Yet many people are unaware of the value of being supported by a registered provider, and this is something we are committed to explaining more clearly. 

We support the upcoming changes, including the requirement from July for all SIL providers to be registered. We believe quality registered providers are the only way forward, and we will continue to advocate strongly for this position. 

Working together for reform 

Advocacy is not something we do alone. Melba is part of Ability First Australia and one of five organisations that took over transferred services from the State Government. We collaborate wherever we can and are actively engaging with agencies, ministers, members, families and sector partners to build the strategic relationships needed to influence effective, lasting reform. 

We are also building and using case studies that highlight the funding and service delivery challenges being experienced across the system. We extend our sincere thanks to those who have agreed to share their experiences, quotes and insights to support this work. 

We know that plan cuts and funding pressures are impacting many people. We want to acknowledge and thank the Melba teams who are working closely with people and families every day to navigate these challenges and advocate for positive outcomes. 

Your voice matters 

Systemic reform will not be achieved by one organisation or one voice alone. Real change happens when people come together. 

If you are interested in being involved in advocacy with Melba – whether by sharing your story, contributing to case studies, or simply learning more about the work we are doing – we encourage you to reach out. Your experience, perspective and voice matter. 

Together, we will continue to stand up for quality, sustainability and the rights of the people we support – now and into the future 

Together, we will continue to stand up for quality, sustainability and the rights of people we support – now and into the future. To find out more or to get involved, please email the Melba team at communications@melbasupport.com.au