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

Submission 53

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US.

On behalf of the Board of Physical Disability Australia, I make this submission regarding the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill. As a board, we are concerned about the proposed rules and changes proposed within the bill and require clarification regarding these rules and changes. Specifically, we are concerned about the lack of clarity and transparency regarding community connections and foundational supports, as well as the legislative changes regarding what constitutes “reasonable and necessary” supports and the proposed process of determining a “budget”.

We express our concern with the bill in its current form. We do not believe the amendments offered by the government appropriately addressed these concerns. We believe that the Bill requires further debate, discussion and codesign before it can be passed by the Senate. We also urge the government to formally respond to the NDIS Review report and disability abuse Royal Commission report to enable the disability community to understand how this bill fits into the government’s broader intentions for the disability policy reform agenda. We urge the Senate to continue to engage in a thorough examination of the bill to ensure its aims and implications are clearly understood by the community.

The Board of Physical Disability Australia PDA understands that consultation does not lead to a consensus however it is clear that disabled people want their disability needs understood at a person-centred level, not a diagnostic model. The Board is available and willing to engage in discussions with those responsible for making decisions on this bill. We look forward to contributing to a more effective and inclusive NDIS framework. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew Fairbairn.-President and WA Sate Director, Physical Disability Australia

On behalf of the Board of Physical Disability Australia