In July 2024, after consulting with the disability community, the Task Force gave its advice to the Minister. The advice included recommendations on:
- How to design and implement the new regulatory model.
- A framework to assess provider risks.
- How to handle situations where participants hire their own workers or use platform providers.
The government will review these recommendations with input from the disability community, providers, and state and territory governments.
To make things a little easier, we have summarised the Key recommendations for Providers and Workers for you.
So, what does this mean for Providers and Workers?
Here are some Key Recommendations for Providers that were delivered by the Taskforce:
- Selective Registration: Not all providers should be registered under the current legislative definition. For example, mainstream retailers would not need registration (Recommendation 1).
- Legislative Framework: A new legislative framework with four registration types based on risk levels is recommended (Recommendation 3).
- Platform Providers: These providers should be registered (Recommendation 4).
- Unannounced Visits: Group homes should undergo unannounced visits to ensure compliance and quality (Recommendation 5).
- Registration of SIL and Home and Living Supports: All providers of Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Home and Living supports should be registered within the next 12 months (Recommendation 5).
- Strengthened Provider Obligations: Enhanced focus on quality through stricter obligations related to the Code of Conduct, worker screening, complaints, incident reporting, and performance measurements (Recommendation 8).
- Enforcement Processes: Strengthened or new processes to enforce provider obligations, including suitability assessments and ongoing monitoring (Recommendation 9).
- Worker Registration Scheme: Establishment of a registration scheme for workers (Recommendation 10).
- Recognition of Allied Health Practitioners: Allied health practitioners with professional registration should be included in the worker registration scheme (Recommendation 11).
Next Steps:
- Registration of SIL and Home and Living Supports: Implement registration for these providers within the next 12 months.
- Design and Consultation: Further consultation and co-design with the disability community to develop and implement the recommendations, including the provider risk framework and improved provider obligations and processes.
The recommendations are currently under consideration by the Government, with future consultation opportunities to be communicated by the Department of Social Services and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Interested parties are encouraged to subscribe for updates on the NDIS reforms at the Department of Social Services website.
Now, here are some Key Recommendations for Workers that were delivered by the Taskforce:
- Worker Registration Scheme: Introduce a scheme for all workers, including a public register, professional development requirements, and a training and qualifications framework. The definition of “worker” should be co-designed.
- Legislative Framework: Develop and co-design a legislative framework to support the worker registration scheme.
- Worker Screening: Apply screening to all workers in higher-risk roles but not for those in Basic or Self-Directed categories.
- Professional Registration: Recognise professional qualifications within the Worker Registration Scheme.
NDIS Worker Screening:
- No mandatory screening for workers in Basic or Self-Directed categories.
- Improve information sharing between governments and develop culturally safe procedures for First Nations peoples.
Next Steps:
- Further consultation is recommended with people with disability, the disability sector, workers, and unions on the definition of “worker” and the legislative framework.
- The government is considering these recommendations, and updates will be communicated by the Department of Social Services and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
For more detailed information, you can read the full Taskforce Advice on the Department of Social Services, NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce website.
We will continue to provide you updates as they arise and are committed to working with providers and workers to ensure that we continue to deliver high-quality training that aligns with any new legislative requirements.
Written by Amanda Robinson, B.A., MMentalHealth Prac.
Amanda is a professional with over a decade of dedicated experience in the fields of Mental Health and Disability. Her extensive expertise lies in navigating the intricate landscape of the Disability Sector. She brings a unique perspective to her work, being both a person with lived experience of disability and a compassionate carer. She has a passion for advocacy, making her a staunch champion for the rights and well-being of individuals facing similar challenges.
