In 2019, the Government commissioned a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth), with a view to making the NDIS process fairer and simpler. This Review is being led by Mr David Tune AO PSM, and considers changes to legislation as well as a new legislated Participant Service Guarantee to improve participant experiences.
We made a submission to the review in October 2019, calling for policy and legislative reforms to improve the administration of the NDIS and enable participants to enjoy greater choice and control in accessing supports under the Scheme.
Our submission was informed by consultations with stakeholders in the disability community, including people with disability, advocates, Legal Aid Commissions and academics. The key issues addressed concern:
- The eligibility criteria for the NDIS, specifically the definition of ‘permanent’ impairments
- The planning process, including inconsistency in plan approvals, issues with the concept of financial sustainability, and issues with the interaction between the NDIS and other support services
- Complexity and delays in internal merits reviews
- The appeals process, specifically the implementation of systemic changes following successful outcomes on appeal
- Principles for the proposed Participant Service Guarantee
Read our submission.