Rachel asked a question on behalf of a constituent, who supports residents with disability at a Supported Independent Living (SIL) facility in Noble Park. With state funding for SIL set to run out at the end of this year, the future of accommodation and employment for these residents and their support workers is uncertain.
Wednesday the 29th of October, 2025
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Disability. My constituent is a resident of Noble Park. He works in disability support at the local supported independent living facility, or SIL.
With the state subsidy for the SIL set to expire at the end of this year, my constituent holds grave concerns for the future of vulnerable residents in Noble Park. Fifty-nine group homes across Victoria have already closed, and a further 580 are at risk. This threatens the homes of nearly 5000 Victorians and the jobs of 7500 support workers. This presents severe consequences for community health and requires immediate action to prevent service collapse.
My constituent reported that requests from the Health and Community Services Union, HACSU, to meet with the minister have been denied.
So, my constituent asks: will the minister urgently collaborate with worker representatives to protect Noble Park SIL residents?
Written response received, the 4th of December 2025:
I am advised as follows:
Transfer of government-operated accommodation and services
As part of the transition to the NDIS from state-based services, the Victorian Government transferred Victorian funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL) services to the NDIS. Accordingly, sector sustainability became a responsibility of the Commonwealth Government. Funding decisions such as SIL supports for NDIS participants are the responsibility of National Disability Insurance Agency. The transfer was designed to support the NDIS in Victoria and to grow a strong, viable NDIS market. Contractual arrangements supporting the transfer of services have been in place since 2019, with all parties acknowledging these arrangements would conclude on 31 December 2025.
Specialist Disability Accommodation and Supported Independent Living services
The Victorian Government, through the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, is the largest Supported Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider in Victoria. In all Victorian Government owned homes, SIL providers support residents with their daily needs. If a SIL provider decides to withdraw their service from a particular home, this does not mean that the house itself will be closed, as depending on what residents decide for themselves, there are a number of options available.
Funding for the disability sector and long-term viability
The Victorian Government continues to advocate to the Commonwealth Government and the NOIA to seek appropriate planning and pricing for the services funded by the NDIS to support Victorians with disability, their providers and families. Victoria also advocates for improved pricing arrangements and the need for proactive market stewardship from the Commonwealth to ensure provider viability.
Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
Minister for Children
Minister for Disability
Related:
> Government pledge of 800 new mental health staff goes unfulfilled – Rachel Payne
> Fund Dandenong’s vital First Nations health services – Rachel Payne
> Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission cuts – Rachel Payne
External:
> 30 disability homes ‘at risk’ in South East | Dandenong Star Journal
