2023 was a big year for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Our new explainer NDIS Insights 2023-24 will help you understand significant developments and their impact on the scheme, as well as what we can expect in the year ahead.
In 2023, the final reports of the Disability Royal Commission and the Independent Review into the NDIS collectively made 248 recommendations for improvements to the Scheme. Decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (‘AAT’) and the Federal Court gave valuable guidance on the correct application of NDIS legislation, rules and policies.
Throughout the year, a loud, persistent and largely negative media narrative and political debate surrounded the NDIS, focused on cost, integrity and sustainability.
Although the Australian Government announced some new NDIS commitments, substantial reform was limited.
We expect more significant changes in 2024. Commonwealth, state and territory governments will respond to the collective recommendations and outline if and how they will implement reforms. In addition, the AAT is expected to be replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal (‘ART’), which will look to improve the way NDIS decisions are made and reviewed.
NDIS Insights 2023-24 accessible Word document
NDIS Insights 2023-24 was written by PIAC Senior Solicitors Sheetal Balakrishnan and Mitchell Skipsey, and Darren O’Donovan of Law Trobe University Law School, with pro bono support from Herbert Smith Freehills.