NDIA Accountability Project

Concerns about disability supports and access to therapies

‹ PrevPage 1 of 2 · Source p. 1Next ›

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

Submission 281

Dear Senior Clerk,

I am writing to express my deep concerns about the proposed amendments to the NDIA Bill of Rights. These changes could significantly alter the NDIS as we know it, potentially curtailing disability supports and access to therapies.

Key Concerns:

  • Absence of a Whole of Person Approach: The new bill may not fully account for people with multiple and interrelated disabilities, potentially leading to inadequate support. It is concerning that there does not appear to be a mechanism to appeal the proposed independent needs assessment, which may not even be undertaken by an allied health practitioner or a person’s current clinical team who knows them best.

  • Co-design Not Legally Required: While the Bill now requires the Minister to consider co-design principles, it does not make this a legal requirement. This could limit the involvement of people with disabilities in shaping their own support plans.

  • Unclear Review and Appeal Rights: The Bill lacks a clear way to appeal or replace your needs assessment, potentially leaving participants without recourse if they disagree with their assessment.

  • Broad Powers to Require Assessments: The Bill provides the NDIA with broad powers to require medical assessments, which could be difficult for some participants to obtain.

  • Limits on Support and Spending: The Bill gives the NDIA significant power to control how participants use their funding, potentially 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.

  • Pay Inequities Between Different Allied Health Professionals: The pricing guides do not pay or value professionals equally nor differentiate between professionals with different levels of experience or different costs for overheads.

We must protect our future so people with disabilities can thrive with choice and control over their lives and supports. I urge you to consider these concerns and take action to ensure the rights and needs of people with disabilities are adequately addressed in the amended Bill.

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

Submission 281

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Yours sincerely,

Johonna Williams