Legislative Council Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1) 55 1 Parliament of South Australia Legislative Council published Answers to Questions Novita Novita The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON Legislative Council Novita In reply to the Hon. L.A. HENDERSON ().7 March 2023). The Hon. E.S. BOURKE Legislative Council Novita The Hon. E.S. BOURKE: The Minister for Education has advised there has been no reduction in funding for Novita since the agreement was executed in early 2022 and no changes are planned within the term of the contract. Additionally, there has been no reduction in funding from the Department for Education to Novita with the introduction of the autism inclusion teachers. Further, the Minister for Human Services has also advised: Since the 2022 election, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided Novita with individualised funding to support the non-residential pathway. 2021-22: $15,885 (GST excl). 2022-23: $46,041(GST excl). The DHS Equipment Program has also used Novita Tech to repair equipment, conduct home modifications and customise pieces of equipment. 2021-22: $62,000. 2022-23: $18,000 (year to date). The DHS Equipment Program will continue to use Novita Tech for equipment repairs and customisation and home modifications, via a payment on invoice funding arrangement. This funding and work is separate to other program and policy initiatives that seek to address autism and other disabilities. Additionally, the Minister for Child Protection has advised: Novita has been and continues to be an important disability service provider for DCP. Funding provided during 2021-22 and 2022-23 is as follows: 2021-22: $938,120. 2022-23: $194,334 (as at 6 June 2023). In 2020, Novita advised DCP that its organisation intended to gear down their service in relation to providing disability residential care services to children and young people under guardianship of the chief executive. Long-term transitional arrangements were put in place to ensure minimal disruption to any existing care arrangements. The reduction in funding reflects the care arrangements transitioning from Novita to other disability service providers. Novita continues to provide clinical and other support services to children and young people under guardianship of the chief executive through NDIS or DCP funding.