National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024

Submission 248

The Bill proposes significant changes to the NDIS, which could impact how participants access the Scheme and how their support needs are assessed and funded. While some amendments have been made, there are still important concerns that have been pointed out by expert lawyers, including the following:

• Co-design is not required: The Bill now requires the Minister to consider co-design principles, but it doesn’t make this a legal requirement.
• Does not take a Whole of Person Approach: The Bill may not fully account for people with multiple and interrelated disabilities, which could lead to inadequate support.
• Unclear review and appeal rights: The Bill lacks a clear way to appeal or replace your needs assessment.
• Broad powers to require assessments: The Bill provides the.NDIA with broad powers to require medical assessments, which could be difficult to obtain.
• Limits on Support and Spending: The Bill gives the NDIA a lot of power to control how participants use their funding, reducing participant choice and control.
• Punitive measures: The Bill gives the NDIA new powers to change how participants’ plans are managed and raise debts if they decide funding has been misused.

All of these changes to the present bill will have a huge impact on my life as a disabled person. I rely on the NDIS to keep me safe. Please talk to people such as Sen Jordan Steele – John.

Kind regards Jennifer Robinson