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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Provide Information and Resources:
Share relevant resources, such as information about services, support groups, and legal rights. Help them access these resources when needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has unveiled changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) pricing, in anticipation of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the NDIS provider market. However, there may be a few disappointed providers with no changes for plan management, therapy or Support Coordination (L 2&3).
Here’s a summary of the changes for you:
Fair Work Commission Adjustments: Fully implementing the Fair Work Commission’s decision to increase minimum wages in awards and superannuation, ensuring providers can fairly compensate their workers.
Price Limit Increases: Raising price limits for supports determined by the NDIS Disability Support Worker (DSW) Cost Model, including Level 1 support coordination services, to reflect changes in minimum wages following the Fair Work Commission’s Annual Wage Review.
Support Adjustments: Increasing price limits for psychologists, nurses, and other supports based on the rise in wages and the cost of living.
Maintaining Existing Price Limits: Keeping existing pricing arrangements and price limits for therapy (except for psychologists) and support coordination levels 2 and 3.
Short-Notice Cancellation Adjustment: Adjusting the short-notice cancellation period for non-Disability Support Worker-related supports to 2 business days to better reflect market norms.
We have listed links to each addendum reflecting changes for ease of reference:
The cost model estimates the expenses involved in providing one billable hour of support, factoring in all related costs. Fortunately, the NDIS Disability Support Worker Cost Model has been updated to more accurately represent the cost structures of efficient providers in the sector. This updated model forms the foundation for the price limits set by the NDIA for services provided by disability support workers.
The plans of NDIS participants will be adjusted starting in July, with funding being indexed on 13 July to account for these pricing 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.
Yesterday, the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendments (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill passed through the House of Representatives. It will now go on to be considered in the Senate. The Bill included important changes that were agreed upon by the Parliament.
You can find more details about these changes on the Parliament of Australia’s website and the Department of Social Services’ website under “Changes to the NDIS Act” (dss.gov.au). If you’d like to get into the details, visit https://shorturl.at/2qJIl but here is a summary of those changes:
Section 10 now mentions Australia’s overall responsibilities under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities instead of specific articles.
New temporary NDIS rules will define what supports are or aren’t NDIS supports, based on current agreements and existing rules from 2013.
These temporary rules will be made with input from the disability community and will later be replaced by new rules that need State and territory approval.
Other supported changes to the Bill will:
Highlight that co-design is central to the Government’s reform plans.
Confirm that participants’ rights to review remain unchanged.
Ensure participants receive a copy of their needs assessment.
Provide safeguards for new information-gathering powers.
Include an independent review of the Bill every 5 years.
Let’s hope these changes continue to reflect the government’s commitment to the principles of co-design, ensuring that the NDIS is shaped by those most affected by it – people with Disability, their families and supporters.
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.
