
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.