Today, 22 August 2024, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 was passed by the Parliament.
The Bill provides the framework to deliver on the NDIS Review’s vision to restore the NDIS to its original intent and deliver better outcomes for Australians with permanent and significant disability within a broader ecosystem of supports.
Some of these changes will take time to develop together with people with disability but, once implemented, participants will experience the benefits.
The task ahead for the Agency is to now deliver these reforms in partnership with people with disability.
It is absolutely essential people with disability continue to have a voice in how the detailed design is done and how these changes are implemented. And it’s my commitment they will.
The NDIA has been delivering reform in partnership with people with disability and the disability community over the past two years and co-design will continue to form the cornerstone of implementing change as we move forward.
This includes a long-term program of work alongside people with disability on:
- assessment and budgeting reforms
- functions of new navigator role
- changes to the way plan management services are delivered
- a range of integrity improvements
- design of the new psychosocial early intervention service.
Importantly, in addition to NDIS participants, the Independent Advisory Council, industry experts, the NDIA and other Government agencies, each co-design reference group will have dedicated representation from Disability Representative and Carer Organisations (DRCOs).
These organisations collectively represent thousands of people with disability and their families.
This work will also happen in partnership with state and territory governments.
Their commitment to co-stewardship of the NDIS will further strengthen our partnership, and ensure they remain a critical part of co-designing reforms that will protect the sustainability of the NDIS while ensuring a better disability support system for hundreds of thousands of Australians.
This Bill has not come into effect yet, so there is not any immediate change.
The passing of the Bill means there will be changes in the coming weeks once the laws come into effect. Until then:
- all access and planning processes, decisions and supports will continue in line with current operational guidance.
- participants should continue spending in accordance with their plans and existing policy guidance.
- providers should continue to claim for supports in line with current operational guidance.
I want to acknowledge that many participants may be uncertain about change.
The NDIA will work continue to work with you and share information in the coming weeks to:
- explain what specific changes mean for you
- explain when the changes will impact you
- explain what you need to do to get ready for the changes
- support you if you need help with the changes
- give you opportunities to play a role in developing the detail and in implementing the changes.
Future changes will be supported with transparency and communication. And not all change will happen at once.
There is much work to be done – and participants and the disability community will shape and guide how we change into action.
We will use co-design to amplify the voices of people with disability – to ensure we get these improvements right.