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The Albanese Government is advancing significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by introducing a new registration system for providers. This move aims to improve support for participants by ensuring stronger regulation of NDIS providers and workers.

In February 2024, the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was established and charged with delivering independent advice on the design and implementation of a new, risk-based regulatory model as part of the NDIS Review.

After thorough consultations, the Taskforce made 11 key recommendations, along with 10 actionable steps. These changes cover the registration of providers and workers, with some measures requiring immediate implementation, while others will be developed in close consultation with the disability community.

What NDIS Providers Need to Know: Key Changes from the New Registration System

The Albanese Government is introducing a new registration system for NDIS providers to enhance participant safety and service quality. Here’s what providers can expect:

Key Changes for Providers:

1. Mandatory Registration for Specific Providers:
   • Platform providers, support coordinators, and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers will be required to register with the NDIS.
2. New Regulatory Model:
   • A risk-based regulatory system will be implemented to better monitor and regulate providers and workers.
3. Rule Changes Coming in October 2024:
   • The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission will start consultations to update registration rules for support coordinators, platform providers, and SIL providers.
4. Gradual Implementation:
   • There will be a transition period to help providers adjust to the new mandatory registration requirements.
5. Ongoing Consultation:
   • The government will consult with the disability community to shape the final design of the new regulatory model, including NDIS Practice Standards for SIL providers.
6. Self-Directed Supports:
   • Initial consultations will also focus on participants who self-direct their supports and how they will be defined under the new registration system.
7. Increased Oversight:
   • The NDIS Commission will implement a prioritisation model to handle the growing number of complaints and reportable incidents, ensuring better oversight of provider practices.

Providers should prepare for these changes by staying informed and participating in upcoming consultations. The goal is to enhance service quality, participant safety, and provider accountability.

Additionally, there are various NDIS consultants nationwide who can assist with registration. When selecting a consultant, ensure they have the relevant experience and expertise.

Engels Floyd Quality Consulting have decades of experience in the disability and quality sectors. They are the only consultancy to have trained all NDIS auditors on behalf of the Commission, ensuring an in-depth understanding of registration and audit requirements. Engels Floyd will collaborate with you to ensure your systems, documentation, and training are fully prepared for the audit. They also offer preparatory audits to identify any potential non conformities ahead of your formal audit. With lived experience of disability and a reputation for integrity, they offer national support and a complimentary consultation to discuss your questions.

Feel free to reach out to them at [email protected] or call 1300 790 194 for more information.

For more details, the Taskforce’s full advice can be found on the Department of Social Services website: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-standards-and-quality-assurance/ndis-provider-and-worker-registration-taskforce

We will continue to keep you updated as we hear more.

👉🏼 Stay tuned!

 

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.

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is stepping up its game, banning a record number of providers doing the wrong thing, and handling an unprecedented wave of complaints last financial year. This comes after a significant funding boost from the Albanese Government.

Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten, recently released the Commission’s 2024-25 Corporate Plan, revealing a huge spike in complaints and reportable incidents—up 78.2% and 47.3%, respectively. Shorten credits this rise to Labour’s investment in doubling the Commission’s workforce and upgrading outdated phone and IT systems.

The Commission’s campaigns, collaborations with the ACCC, and new social media channels have made it easier for NDIS participants to voice their concerns. Between April and June 2024, the Commission received 8,303 complaints, a sharp increase from 2022 under the previous government.

In the first half of 2024, the Commission issued 62 banning orders, over 25% more than last year, targeting non-compliant providers and workers. Thanks to a $160 million investment in new technology systems, the Commission is now better equipped to regulate and protect both participants and the Scheme.

“The Commission is now properly set up to ensure safe, quality services for NDIS participants,” said Shorten. You can read the full media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15876

💪🏼 Ensuring full compliance and that your staff are thoroughly trained and competent is crucial to delivering the highest quality care to participants. Remember, the NGO Training Centre is here to support all your training needs, so you can focus on what matters most—providing exceptional care without worry.

The 2024-2025 Corporate Plan is now available on the NDIS Commission website: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/corporate-documents#paragraph-id-7819

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.

Bill Shorten, Minister for the NDIS, has announced Louise Glanville as the NEW Commissioner of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission, succeeding Acting Commissioner Mike Phelan.

Louise Glanville, a former Deputy CEO of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), brings extensive experience in disability and legal sectors. She aims to prioritise safety and quality within the NDIS, describing her return as “unfinished business.”

Natalie Wade, a leading disability rights lawyer and woman with lived experience, will join as Associate Commissioner. Natalie will focus on reforms and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.

Minister Shorten praised both appointments, highlighting their expertise in ensuring participant safety and regulatory oversight during a critical time of reform. Mike Phelan will step down as Acting Commissioner on September 30, 2024.

Read more about it in the Minister’s media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15811

Stay tuned for further NDIS updates via our In the News Page!

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.

The Australian Senate has just passed the NDIS reform bill, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). While the government positions these reforms as necessary steps to manage the scheme’s costs and growth, reactions have been divided.

The disability community, advocates and state governments have voiced significant concerns. People are worried that these changes could reduce vital services and supports, with some responsibilities potentially shifting to states and territories. Additionally, there is unease about the possibility of participants shouldering the costs of essential assessments, raising equity issues.

Despite these challenges, the government is committed to moving forward, promising to co-design the implementation of these reforms alongside the community.

However, many remain cautious and uncertain about how these changes will truly impact the NDIS in practice.

We will keep you in the loop with any updates as they arise, and opportunities to contribute to these changes.

 

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.

The NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce was set up to advise on a new regulatory model suggested in the NDIS Review Final Report. This model aims to manage risks proportionately.

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:

1. Selective Registration: Not all providers should be registered under the current legislative definition. For example, mainstream retailers would not need registration (Recommendation 1).
2. Legislative Framework: A new legislative framework with four registration types based on risk levels is recommended (Recommendation 3).
3. Platform Providers: These providers should be registered (Recommendation 4).
4. Unannounced Visits: Group homes should undergo unannounced visits to ensure compliance and quality (Recommendation 5).
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).
6. 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).
7. Enforcement Processes: Strengthened or new processes to enforce provider obligations, including suitability assessments and ongoing monitoring (Recommendation 9).
8. Worker Registration Scheme: Establishment of a registration scheme for workers (Recommendation 10).
9. 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.

The NDIS will soon provide a clear definition of what supports are funded, aimed at providing clarity for people with disability and strengthening the scheme, announced NDIS Minister Bill Shorten.

The Australian Government has announced an initiative to clearly define what supports will and won’t be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This initiative aims to provide greater clarity and strengthen the scheme for people with disabilities. We have broken it down for you:

✨ Key take-aways:

• Draft Lists of NDIS Supports: Public consultation has been opened for draft lists detailing NDIS supports. These lists were developed based on current guidance and practices.

• Transitional Rule: The lists will serve as a transitional rule until a formal agreement is reached between the Commonwealth and States and Territories.

• Empowering Participants: The goal is to offer participants clearer information on allowable purchases with their NDIS funds, facilitating more informed decisions.

• Flexible Budgets: The definition of supports will aid in transitioning to more flexible budgets as recommended by the NDIS Review.

• Public Consultation Period: The consultation period is open until August 18, 2024. Feedback from the public will be closely considered before finalising the lists.

• No Immediate Changes: During the consultation, there will be NO changes for participants or providers.

The initiative aligns with the NDIS Review’s recommendation for more flexible budgets. While consultation is underway, there will be no changes for participants or providers.

Feedback from the public consultation, open until August 18, 2024, will be considered carefully before finalising the defined supports.

📢 Providers:

The draft lists are available on the DSS Engage website, and you are encouraged to provide feedback at www.engage.dss.gov.au You can also request a callback via the DSS Enquiry line on 1300 653 227.

Your feedback will help make sure the new definitions are right and will help NDIS participants and providers when selecting supports.

Read the full media release here: https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/15536

We will continue to keep you in the loop💪🏼.

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.

In breaking news, the Federal Government has finally responded to the Disability Royal Commission recommendations but has not committed to some key recommendations, such as ending special schools, group homes, and segregated employment.

Out of 172 recommendations, the government has not promised to create a Disability Rights Act or a Federal Disability Department.

This response comes 10 months after the final report and four months past the suggested deadline which has many community members up in arms. Not only that, only a handful of recommendations were fully accepted, leaving many devastated.

Here’s a breakdown of the government’s response:

• Accepted (13 recommendations): Fully accepts or supports the recommendation.
• Accepted in principle (117 recommendations): Supports the intent but may consider different implementation methods.
• For further consideration (36 recommendations): No position formed yet due to ongoing inquiries or the need for further consultation.
• Noted (six recommendations): Used for recommendations where acceptance or rejection is not appropriate, often because they fall outside the federal government’s remit.

The government emphasised its commitment to working with state governments and people with disability to implement reforms.

“Our government is fully committed to the vision of the disability royal commission: a community where people with disability are free from violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth.

She noted that the government had accepted most recommendations in principle and is taking the issue seriously.

Governments will provide updates on their progress every six months and an annual update to the national cabinet.

Keep an eye on this space and we will update you as we hear more.

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.

A new group of Australia’s top early childhood experts will help make the NDIS better for children and their families.

Minister for NDIS, Bill Shorten recently announced this Children’s Expert Advisory Group. They will work with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to improve the NDIS based on recommendations from a recent review.

The NDIS review suggested ways to make sure children with disability get the support they need. This includes making it easier for families to access the best services, getting help from the NDIS when needed, and improving how the NDIS works with other systems like education.

Minister Shorten emphasised that early support is crucial for children and that a more connected support system is needed. He is pleased to have a diverse and experienced group to help make these changes.

The Advisory Group will include organisations that represent children, their families, and carers. They will provide expert advice to the NDIA on how to improve the NDIS experience for children and their families and help with clear communication about the NDIS.

The group will also gather feedback from other stakeholders to ensure the best approach. This new group is part of the government’s ongoing effort to improve the NDIS in partnership with people with disability and their supporters.

Skye Kakoschke-Moore from Children and Young People with Disability Australia is a member of the group. She said they are excited to work with the government to make the NDIS easier to access and navigate for children and families.

Members of the Children’s Expert Advisory Group include:

• Sylvana Mahmic – NDIS Independent Advisory Council
• Skye Kakoschke-Moore – Children and Young People with Disability Australia
• Yvonne Keane – Reimagine
• Samantha Page – Early Childhood Australia
• Gretchen Young – SNAICC National Voice for Our Children
• Jenny Karavolos – Australian Autism Alliance
• Morgan Fitzpatrick – Best Practice in Early Childhood Intervention Network
• Professor Sharon Goldfeld – Centre for Community Child Health
• Dr. Tim Moore – Centre for Community Child Health
• Professor Valsamma Eapen – University of NSW
• Sebastian Langdon-Macmillan – Member Youth Steering Committee
• Ellen Gould – NDIS Independent Advisory Council Reference Group Member

We look forward to hearing the recommendations from this expert advisory board and are pleased  that there is progress in this space.

Be sure to keep an eye out for more news from the NDIA in the coming weeks.

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.

At NGO Training Centre, we understand the unique challenges faced by smaller organisations, especially those in the Australian Disability Sector. Since our inception in 2017, we have been committed to delivering authentic top-quality training that empowers organisations to provide the best possible care and support to people with disability.

Our e-learning courses are designed specifically to meet your needs, offering a value-for-money solution that ensures your staff receive the essential training they require, regardless of your organisation’s size or budget.

We know that smaller organisations often operate with tight budgets. That’s why we are offering a more cost-effective training option without compromising on quality. Our online courses provide incredible value, allowing you to invest in your team’s development without breaking the bank.

Many smaller organisations are unaware that they can access such high-quality training online at an affordable price. Don’t let your team miss out on the opportunity to enhance their skills and improve their performance. With NGO Training Centre’s e-learning courses, you can provide your staff with the training they need to excel, no matter the size of your organisation.

Our new NGO Lite and NGO Lite + packages give you and your employees access to over 86* courses, including our Leadership courses, a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS), certificates, a dedicated support team, reporting capabilities and more!

Our courses are developed by industry experts and are regularly updated to reflect the latest standards and best practices in the disability sector. Your staff will gain valuable skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied to their daily work, improving the quality of care and support they provide.

Our e-learning courses are designed for maximum flexibility. Staff can access training modules anytime, anywhere, making it easy to fit learning into even the busiest schedules. Whether you need comprehensive courses or quick, targeted microlearning modules, we have the perfect solution for your team.

Our Learning Management System (LMS) is user-friendly and easy to navigate, ensuring that your staff can start learning with minimal hassle. We provide all the resources and support needed to get your team up and running quickly, making the transition to online learning seamless and straightforward.

Empower your team with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Contact NGO Training Centre today to learn more about our NEW LITE PACKAGES and discover how we can support your organisation’s training needs. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Australian Disability Sector.

For more information, email or call us directly.

[email protected] or 1300 990 995

Let NGO Training Centre be your partner in achieving excellence through high-quality, affordable training.

*86 courses with NGO Lite+ (including 2-3 new courses every month) and 54 courses with NGO Lite.

As a disability advocate for many years, I always thought my main job was to speak on behalf of; promote, protect, and defend the human rights of people with disabilities. Sure, that was part of it, especially at the beginning. I would role model and educate. But if there was ever a chance for the person to advocate for themselves, that became my main goal. I wanted to empower them to speak up and take charge. But here’s the thing: advocacy isn’t just the job of a ‘disability advocate.’

Disability advocacy is usually focused on specific issues, and advocates are involved in a person’s life for a short time, often dealing with just one problem at a time—just like a lawyer. There’s often a wait for advocacy services because funding is limited, and each new issue means going back on a waiting list.

So, who’s there for the person with disability when they need ongoing support? That’s where the Disability Support Professional comes in. As a Disability Support Professional, you play a crucial role in helping the people you support to advocate for themselves. Your involvement is continuous, and your support helps bridge the gaps left by the limitations of formal advocacy services.

Here are 10 tips that you can use to help a person to self-advocate.

1. Educate on Rights and Responsibilities:

Make sure the person understands their rights and responsibilities. Provide information in accessible formats and discuss what each right means in practical terms.

2. Encourage Participation:

Encourage the person to take part in meetings, decision-making processes, and activities that affect their life. Offer to accompany them if they feel nervous.

3. Develop Communication Skills:

Assist the person in developing effective communication skills. This might include practicing how to express their needs and preferences clearly and confidently.

4. Provide Information and Resources:

Share relevant resources, such as information about services, support groups, and legal rights. Help them access these resources when needed.

5. Support Decision Making:

Help the person understand their options and the potential outcomes of different decisions. Encourage them to weigh these options and make their own choices.

6. Role Play Scenarios:

Practice self-advocacy through role-playing. This can help the person feel more prepared and confident when they need to advocate for themselves in real situations.

7. Be a Role Model:

Demonstrate self-advocacy skills in your interactions. Show respect for the person’s opinions and decisions, and advocate on their behalf when necessary, explaining what you’re doing and why.

8. Provide Emotional Support:

Self-advocating can be challenging. Be there to offer encouragement, celebrate successes, and provide a shoulder to lean on when things don’t go as planned.

9. Create a Supportive Environment:

Foster an environment where the person feels safe to express their needs and desires. Make it clear that their voice matters and that they have the right to be heard.

10. Teach Problem-Solving Skills:

Help the person develop strategies for resolving conflicts and addressing issues. This can include brainstorming solutions, evaluating pros and cons, and planning steps to take action.

As you can see, by simply incorporating these approaches into your support, you can help encourage the person you support to confidently and effectively advocate for themselves. If the person you are supporting does need a Disability Advocate, make sure you assist the person to access this support.

You can search for advocacy organisations here:

https://askizzy.org.au/advice-and-advocacy/personalise/page/who-is-looking-for-help-advocacy

📢Want more info on Self-advocacy?

Voices Together have a great database available to help you find your closest self-advocacy group!

https://www.voicestogether.com.au/self-advocates/find-group

 

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