call center representative

project officer

procurement specialist

NDIA

I contracted with the NDIA and, without warning, had my access abruptly revoked and my contract terminated. There was zero procedural fairness - no warning, no meaningful feedback, nothing. It felt like a decision driven not by performance, but by insiders protecting their own.

There’s a culture of nepotistic hires. It’s impossible to survive as an outsider when a tight-knit group excludes anyone who isn’t part of their clique. Despite delivering solid work, I was sidelined because I simply wasn’t part of their in‑group. It’s frustrating and disheartening.

If you’re thinking about joining the NDIA as an external contractor, be aware- it’s not about what you can do, it’s about who you know. Procedural fairness appears optional if you’re not part of the inner circle.

Unfortunately NDIS has the stress of private corporations combined with the incompetence and inefficiency of government hence a very difficult place to succeed and feel satisfied. It is hamstrung  by an ineffective staff structure that simply doesn't work and undervalues good technical staff in favour of poor performing management.  I was on a good contract rate but current salary offerings for positions are very low . They need to spend more money on top talent and less on the scheme itself. Management structure needs to be redesigned completely and remove public service framework if it is going to succeed. Needs to be more open to innovation and creative solutions rather than sitting on protocols.

What is the best part of working at the company?
As a labour hire contractor you get paid a lot, but the work is well below what you're capable of.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Bad managers, awful culture, hot desking, no team spirit. People stab you in the back.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Terrible. Everyone is in it for themselves. Managers have favourites and labour hire employees are treated like second class citizens.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I was bored out of my brain. Constantly asking to be given work and when I got work it was well below what I was capable of. Couldn't use my skills and found myself hating being there.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Flexible working hours & hybrid options. Most roles available nation wide. Job security & scope for transfer within any public service sectors. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Slow change implementation, pressure & inconsistent direction & guidelines around the scope of the role. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Varies depending upon the section, team & team leader. Trying to be inclusive of Neurodivergent people, it's a work in progress.

Such a disappointing experience working at NDIA. I really wanted to make a difference but was poorly managed. I received very poor job training and was made to feel stupid when things didn’t work out how management expected. They burn through contractors and every contractor I know who worked there would never go back.

Most of the management were children (23-28 years old). In that they had no work experience, with a good or bad manager and therefore were unable to understand what people management entailed. Would have benefited from at least 1 or 2 years work experience before being promoted to manager. Very much a case of being promoted upwards out of the way. The competent people did the work and the incompetent managed.

There is far too much for each staff member to accomplish for work to be done with the attention required. There are inconsistencies in guidance and processes change so frequently that it is difficult to keep up. There are too many layers that impede the ability to get work done. Poor leadership, pretend care, box ticking, widespread dissatisfaction of staff.

Job demands and unrealistic timeframes make the roles very stressful. There is no forward planning and new teams and new roles are created overnight. No collaborative discussions. No change management process. No support. Little confidence in Management as a result.

Processes all over the place, based on opinion so very unclear. Toxic work culture. Felt like I was doing something negative and not really helping people. Too many meetings and high expectations.

Good parts: having your own case load and independence so you can just put your head down and work. APS benefits, WFH arrangements. 

The most enjoyable part of any job is to provide empowerment opportunities to my clients.

Management that sees changes that can be made to improve my practice.

I have learned that flexibility is important with stakeholders and colleagues.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Call center representative 7 salaries reported	$71,865 per year
Project officer 4 salaries reported	$95,248 per year
Procurement specialist 3 salaries reported	$98,116 per year

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