A diverse funding base is critical (government, universities, industry, philanthropy), however commitment from government to fund long term, not based on political cycles is more important.

Sustainable, recurrent funding is critical and the funding source shouldn't be so diverse that resources are spent always trying to secure the next grant or funding source.

Invest time in developing a commissioning research brokerage model as an additional revenue source.

Target a proportion of ARC/NH&MRC funding for appropriate projects. 

Provide fellowships so researchers are not spending all their time generating grants applications (i.e. streamline funding processes). 

Work with philanthropic orgs to target specific priorities (e.g. Ian Potter Foundation, Ramsey, etc)

Consider principle of risk: high risk projects to be funded by government, low risk projects to funded by commerce and beneficiaries. And a gradation in between.

Universities will not have funding to contribute. In-kind is better way to go. Universities will need incentives to buy in to NDRP, such as student scholarships or postdoctoral fellowships that will build research capacity are attractive – especially if building capacity for disability led research. 

All universities are not equal in their approach to disability research or their critical mass of existing disability researchers, or indeed their capacity to contribute to the NDRP.

Whilst independence from government and transparency is necessary, to yield the best outcomes a formal, strong relationship based on clear communication with government should be considered. This will help drive effective interaction between research and policy. 

There are potential dangers of universities or indeed NGOS’s or commercial organisations purchasing influence over government funding channelled through the NDRP, that does not necessarily reflect strengths or commitment to disability research and collaboration.

For service providers, engagement with research is becoming increasingly difficult in the NDIS environment, even for larger organisations. Boards are more focused on ROI on all activities and less committed to funding research positions or activities going forward. Support for more commercial arrangements where a specific investment was tied to an investment plus return over the longer term.