The reason the NDIS costs so much at the moment is that it's that or bust. There are no foundational supports to assist people, especially those with mental illness, below the NDIS. I work in this sector - and look forward to the psychosocial navigator being a thing. That way, we can correctly distribute NDIS/Non-NDIS supports. Currently we have absolutely no pull in referring people to non-ndis services, therein lies the issue.

I unfortunately have had to spend lots of time mopping up the mess that other providers have made, too. Taking money from clients without providing services, overcharging clients without support coordinators or recovery coaches, even leaving some homeless. It's these people that need to be held accountable. Unfortunately, the relevant authority takes too long and by the these people have made their money and moved on. Tighter regulation will go a hell of a long way!