IRG Meeting: Thursday 9 December, 2019
Markets Update – In Brief
The Annual Price Review has commenced, including the release of the Issues Paper and Terms of Reference. Submissions are open until 2 February 2020.
The SDA Reference Group met and discussed SDA flexibility. The NDIA has established a Robust SDA Working Group to improve provision of robust design and interplay with practice approaches.
Assistive Technology
The NDIA gave an overview of a policy being developed to facilitate flexible Assistive Technology (AT) supports. The aim of this policy is to enable participants to continue to access AT supports in a timely manner.
Mainstream Interface
There has been a consistent reduction of the number of younger people in residential aged care. The NDIA is playing a key role in achieving the goals set out in the Australian Government Action Plan for getting younger people out of residential aged care.
The NDIA trialled Health Liaison Officers in South Australia. Following the success of the trial, they will now be progressively introduced across Australia.
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Commission has established two consultative committees, one representing NDIS participants and the other an industry group.
Communiques from these will be made available.
An email was sent to stakeholders outlining rules changes to practice standards coming into effect 1 January 2020.
The NDIS Commission is currently preparing for the WA transition on 1 July 2020, and is working with states and territories to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Quarterly Report Data
The NDIA shared Quarterly Report and NDIS Market Report Data on participant outcomes, the NDIS market, and committed supports, as well as the Independent Assessment Pilot. This data is available to the public on the NDIS website.
Participant Employment
The focus of the Participant Employment Taskforce is working to identify how participants can best be supported to seek employment, including prioritisation through the planning and plan review process. It is also working on a successful transition from DSS supported employment programs.
Thin Markets Update
The NDIA gave an update on the progress since 2019 on thin markets work, including trial projects.
Other business
The Terms of Reference will be refreshed before the first meeting of 2020.