National Disability Services (NDS) welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and looks forward to working in partnership with government to deliver on the six key areas of reform announced by Minister Shorten at the National Press Club.
NDS CEO Laurie Leigh says the sector continues to undergo major reform, with the government’s review of the NDIS and the Disability Royal Commission both currently underway and due to report later this year.
“Now more than ever it is critical that government partners with industry to develop long term solutions and get the settings right,” Laurie Leigh said.
In his address to the National Press Club on Tuesday 18 April 2023, Minister Shorten outlined six policy directions for systemic reform to the NDIS:
- Increasing the capability of the NDIA workforce
- Moving to longer term planning for participants
- Addressing spiralling costs to the scheme
- Review of the supported independent living (SIL) supports
- Targeting the misuse of NDIS funds
- Increasing mainstream supports.
Disability providers stand ready to work with government on the reform directions outlined by Minister Shorten.
Reforms to the scheme must be done in the true spirit of codesign, with participants and families to make sure the program is meeting their needs, and with providers to make sure that the changes are practical and can be implemented without reducing quality, safety and putting participants at risk.
“Disability providers have been supporting people with profound and permanent disabilities long before the creation of the NDIS,” Laurie Leigh said.
“This is a sector that deeply understands how vital their services and supports are for the individuals and families who need it most.
“Getting the settings right for systemic reform to the NDIS will not only drive positive outcomes for people with disability but also assist the sector to realise its full potential as a significant contributor to our economic recovery and future prosperity.”
