13/04/2026
Queensland based disability organisation, FITCare Support Services, has joined National Disability Services, Australia’s peak body for disability service providers, in expressing its strong support for the Federal Government’s proposed NDIS review as part of the 2026 Budget preparation.
FITCare was founded in 2019 by FIT College Chief Executive Mark Stitt, with the aim of both encouraging more people with a disability to participate in physical activity and exercise and doing so with the care and support of exercise professionals .
Stitt noted “when I established FITCare Support Services I wanted to ensure that people with a disability had as many opportunities to live an active healthy lifestyle as their fellow Australians. I wanted them to feel safe and comfortable in the knowledge that their designated support worker was appropriately qualified, was interested in and understood their unique personal objectives and was an NDIS registered provider.”
Treasury figures indicate that the NDIS is now the Federal Government’s second-fastest growing budget expense, and although its annual growth rate has declined from approximately 22% in early 2022, to around 10.3% currently, the increase is still far more than any other social program.
Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler advised “the scheme is off track. It lacks those disciplined design features of a good social program, and we’re determined to get it back on track.”
In supporting a government review, National Disability Services Chief Executive Michael Perusco, observed challenges with the scheme have not evolved by accident but “are the predictable result of a market where only around 6% of providers are registered and subject to meaningful safeguarding obligations, while large and growing parts of the market operate with minimal oversight.”
Stitt believes provider registration should be mandatory arguing that no other federally funded social service operates under a voluntary registration model. Citing such examples as kindergarten and childcare, aged care, education, nursing and Allied Health where service providers must be qualified, have appropriate police clearance and be registered, Stitt argues the existing regime of provider oversight is failing clients and their carers.
As the Chief Executive of Fit College, Stitt is acutely aware of the importance of recognised training packages for would be professionals, adherence to relevant policies and codes of practice, and compliance to meet stringent audit requirements.
Stitt added “I have brought the same understanding to FITCare Support Services, developed bespoke training packages for support workers and ensured compliance with regulatory requirements when both recruiting staff and matching them appropriately with clients. It is extremely discouraging to hear anecdotal evidence from our clients regarding some of the less desirable experiences they have endured when unregistered providers are involved.
“I note Minister Butler is quoted as saying that it was important the government worked in tandem with the disability community in the development of the necessary reforms; I look forward to sharing our experiences with his Department.”
Image: Credit: FITCare Support Services.
