By email: community.affairs.sen@aph.gov.au
Social Services Legislation Amendment (Transition
Mobility Allowance to the National Disability
Insurance Scheme) Bill 2016
The RSB is a quality endorsed organisation, with over 130 years of service history and is the primary provider of a full range of specialist services to over 12,000 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
The RSB appreciates the opportunity to provide a response to the
Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee on the Social
Services Legislation Amendment (Transition Mobility Allowance to
the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Bill 2016 (the Bill).
Firstly we are seeking assurances that with this amendment:
No person will be worse off under the NDIS?
If an eligible person decides not to participate in the NDIS program that after 2020 they will continue to receive the Mobility Allowance?
The Transport component of an NDIS participant’s plan will be equal or greater than the Mobility Allowance?
Disadvantages of this Amendment:
People who are blind or vision impaired and those who turn 65 prior to the final roll out date within their state will also be disadvantaged as there is no provision for a similar program as Mobility Allowance within the new Aged Care Reforms.
Participation in the community through employment or volunteer capacity is an important part of the wellbeing of a person who is blind or vision impaired and also ensures their social interaction within the community.
Currently the Federal Government’s Social Policies do not align with a consistent age definition.
- NDIS – under 65 years.
- Disability Employment Program(DES) under 65 years
- Aged Pension Retirement 67 years (mooted to increase to 70 years)
- Job Access-Newstart under 67 years. Under this proposal amendment, a person who is blind or vision impaired who retires/is unemployed/volunteering will not be able to apply for Mobility Allowance if over 65 years or does not re-engage with an eligible program within a 4 week period.
People who are blind or vision impaired are highly unlikely to obtain a new job or commence voluntary work within a four week period.
In conclusion, we request that the Amendment be changed to ensure that:
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Eligible people for the Mobility Allowance program are not forced to participate in the NDIS.
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People over the age of 65, seeking employment or volunteering are able to apply for the Mobility Allowance.
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The current period of grace be continued at 12 weeks for the Mobility Allowance program.
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That the Committee recommend that all age definitions be made consistent with the Employment/Retirement/Support programs.
The RSB is a member of the Australian Blindness Forum and supports their submission to this enquiry.
Should the committee require any further information or wish to discuss these issues face-to face please do not hesitate to contact the me