NDIA Accountability Project

Concerns regarding son with Down Syndrome and Major Depression

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

Submission 254

Dear Sir, I have very serious concerns about the implications of the proposed changes to NDIS funding, management and control processes – as have many other people. The following list raise very deep concerns for my son who has Down Syndrome and Major Depression. These changes show a very significant abuse of power, and a lack of any real compassion for fellow human beings, by the NDIA, and shows very little regard, for allowing people with a disability, and their carers, any real participation in decision making. It all looks like a giant cover-up to slash spending, at the expense of a decent quality life for people with a disability. Government by its legislation over the past 30 years, has increasingly created a great divide within our society, so that management and people and companies in power, have most of the wealth of this nation, with insane salaries, channelled to them at the expense of the rest of the nation – but especially those with little power to make themselves heard and properly and fairly listened to.

  • 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. Kind regards, Roger Gamble.