Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Friday, 21 December 2012 6:18:44 PM

Please consider this email a formal submission by me to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012.

The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.

current system is competetive - funding rounds are protracted and pts have to compete with other disabilities for funding to access services. This has led to :

Accountability of how public money is spent, by service providers , both proffessionals and paid carers and care agencies ,is very poor. Families appear to be powerless to get accountability - in case they are “ black listed“ by care agencies. This problem is greater when care agency is apparently providing appropriate day care for a client. Decision as to what is appropriate day care, is not made with what is best for the client, it appears to be driven by what is economical to the agency.

Decisions for services to a client and family, appear to be centre based, not in the clients current or future surroundings. It also involves protracted red tape – numerous forms and very long periods of time to make a decision, which can go any which way . Information from family that impacts on their privacy , especially when other children are in the family.

There is a great need to ensure there are rules and regulations, but there must be flexibility to cater for vrious need profiles. It will be less expensive in the long term.

The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:

• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
• Less red tape, with planning done locally by people who know their community,
• Older parents and families will not worry what happens when they can no longer provide support

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Therapy and allied health services, Support for families and carers, Case management, planning and coordination

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

1] Service for all those who need it , will be equitable and in a timely manner. 2] Services will be flexiable and change with the needs of the client. 3] Services can be maintained where ever the client goes- Australia wide. 4] There will be accountability across the board- accountability for monies spent, accountability for quality of service and care provided and accountability for decision making and decisions made. 5 ] Families, professionals and service providers are not in competition with each other.

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms. Gnanaletchumy Jegasothy