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

Submission 261

Hello

I am very concerned about some of the changes outlined in the current NDIS BILL

I would like the following amendments be made before it is passed in the Senate Please make Co-design is a legal requirement!
Please take a Whole of Person Approach when there are multiple
interelated disabilities are at play. You cannot isolate one disability to another when addressing complex issues such at mental health supports Vehemently against the ‘needs assessment’. This will only create
another form of market for therapists and assessment specialists. While there maybe a need for some to have these assessments done.. there is no reason to have reassessments for all. Especially people with disabilities that have permanent impairment and challenges. I can not see the ‘need’ for such an expensive exercise. This money could be used to help and support people with disability.

If in the unlikely circumstances that a needs assessment is required
then there should also be a clear review and appeal rights: The Bill lacks a clear way to appeal at the moment.
The Bill provides the.NDIA with broad powers to require medical
assessments, which could be difficult to obtain. And also power that

can possible used against the very people the system is trying to help. More oversight on how this power is to be used and what responsibilities these powers comes with need to be clearly stated in the BILL. 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. this will not safeguard a person with disability. Only a way to curtail NDIS budget blowout… without considering the impact it has on the participants. A better way to manage this is to give more training to planners so they can get these budgets right in the first place! Punitive measures: The Bill gives the NDIA new powers to change how
participants’ plans are managed and raise debts if they decide funding

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

Submission 261

has been misused. This is a clear use of collection of more power to the system rather than empowering the participants. This can potentially have dire consequences for people with Disability who may not have the respect they deserve from future governments who may be less socially responsible and considerate.

I demand these changes because this Bill is about making the correct changes to safeguard a good idea (i.e. the NDIS) for its participants not to safeguard the power and interest of the government or the NDIA.

Thank you

Erosha Bakmiwewa