Disclosure Log

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY DOCUMENT 63

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIS)

Meeting: PARG | September 28th, 2023

Minutes

• Date: Thursday, October 5th at noon.
• Time: Noon until one o’clock PM.
• Meeting Location/Platform: Microsoft Teams Members Present: Chairman David Gifford Scheme Actuary | Member Name | Role | |-|-| | Deborah s47F - perso | Independent Member | | Julie s47F personal privacy PSM | Independent Member | | Lynne s47F person priv | Independent Member | Participating Observer(s):

• Kestyn s47F persos Proxy for Andrew Parsons
• Kee s47F personal pr A/g Branch Manager Economics and Pricing
• Jenny s47F peros Director Economic & Pricing Branch
• Dominic s47F persons A/G Director of Economic & Pricing Branch
• Davor s47F personal privac A/G Director Economy & Pricing Branch
• Scott s47F personal p Assistant Director Economies & Pricing Branch Secretariat: Vincent s47F personal p A/G Director Econ. & Pricing Branch

Welcome and Apologies

The chair noted that Jim Cox was unable to attend the meeting in advance with his apologies sent by email. Participating observers Andrew Parsons, Anne Skordis also apologized via email; Kirsten Flynn served as proxy representative on behalf.

Declaration Of Conflicts Interest

No conflicts were reported.

Disclosure Log

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

Update by the Chair

• The Disability Royal Commissions’ Final Report has been released, marking a significant moment after four years of hearings. This comprehensive report covers a wide range of issues within the disability sector. While its scope extends far beyond PARG’s area of focus, it’s important note this release as there may be implications on Annual Pricing Review (APR).

The NDIS Review, now in final stages scheduled October delivery to governement garnering substantial attention discussion various forums including town hall-style meetings including disability sector expected some aspects directly impact APR making essential contextual factor committee consider.* * Government focus sustainability still top priority NDIA review will undoubtedly shape future discussions decisions related scheme financial aspects.* * NDIA recently published results of APR recommendations presented NDIS Board approved and made public June Subsequently feedback from stakeholders particularly providers.* * Feedback Support Coordination pricing focal point involving multiple meetings Jess Harper CEO Disability Intermediaries Australia DIA Feedback received balanced highlighting possible consequences maintaining unchanged prices if not adjusted There consideration potential out-of-cycle pricing decision associated new model consultations with representatives o A member noted significance support coordination cost model emphasizing necessity clear distinction between plan management coordinate recognition both services provide similar functions poses challenge developing one without considering other .* * There broader discussion around therapy prices references price gouging where providers charge different prices to participants others adding complexity pricing considerations.

• The decision extend temporary loading for disability support prices another year reduced rate 1% has been well-received striking balance supporting providing recognising financial hardship.**2023-24 Annual Pricing Review (APR) Draft Terms Reference ToR Members discussed draft Tor Highlight topics require deeper examination including: DSW Therapy Plan Management, and Support Coordination Member noted need flexibility framing process align Royal Commission the NDIS Review concern about starting consultation process shift due changing government priorities.PARG – 20230928 Minutes Page 848/1049

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting - Minutes

• Regarding the Introduction, it was advised to provide less detailed background on deregulation to align with the different government reviews.
• Other topics for discussion included Cancellation policy, Provider Travel, Short-Term Accommodation (STA).

Cancellations:

Members expressed interest in understanding the rate of cancellations, reasons behind them, impacts on providers; questions were raised regarding setting maximum numbers or excessive cancellation risks.

Provider Travel:

Impact discussed where remote/very remote areas may face more challenges due costs leading some refusing service provision strategies like shared models hubs explored enabling extended journeys while most likely optimize routes cases exist otherwise not noted.

Short Term Accommodation (STA):

Concerns over STA pricing arise from misuse/fraud complex current prices include accommodation labour making distinguishing claims difficult.
Fraud integrity issues growing as scheme expands compliance measures needed both clarity and effective fraud deterrence through price reduction unintended consequences inadequate funding legitimate services possible.

Consultation process outlined plans virtual meetings separate sessions participants/providers distinct consultation papers diverse needs emphasized collaboration internal colleagues such as Providers Engagement Participant Advocate facilitating smooth forums technology used real-time feedback during live sessions agreed members could attend workshops firsthand account participant/provider concerns define information engagement based potential impact transparent about what can influence avoid wasting time range provided feedback channels accommodate different types preferences.

Disclosure Log

Pricing Arrangement Reference Group Meeting Minutes

Membership and Future Meetings

• The current panel’s membership has reached its maximum term; contracts are set to expire in December 2023.
• Appointments process underway including Graham Innes replacement via Expression Of Interest round; members will need to reapply after procurement completion, some meetings future setup with more certainty post-procurement conclusion.

Actions

#	Meeting	Action	Status
1	20230928	Consultation Process: Define information needed based on potential impact & be transparent about what participants can influence, avoiding time waste.	Open
2	20230928	Organize invitations for upcoming APR consultation workshop sessions.`