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NDIS Evolution and Supporting Change: Forum Highlights and What’s Next

Writer's picture: Holistic Support ServicesHolistic Support Services

Last week, we had the opportunity to attend a forum where Bill Shorten addressed key issues and concerns regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The discussion touched on several pressing matters impacting participants, service providers, and the broader community.

 

NDIS Forum with Bill Shorten MP

Addressing Early Interventions for Children Outside NDIS 

One of the forum's crucial topics was the need for early interventions for children who are not covered by the NDIS but experience developmental delays. Bill Shorten acknowledged this gap and expressed the importance of ensuring all children can access the necessary support, regardless of their NDIS status. The goal is to provide timely interventions that can positively impact children's development.


Improvements to the Supported Independent Living (SIL) Package 

Another significant point of discussion was the SIL package, a vital part of the NDIS. Attendees expressed concerns about the need for improvement. Bill Shorten emphasized that ongoing enhancements are being made to better cater to the needs of participants, ensuring the SIL package remains effective and fair.

 

Ensuring NDIS Safeguards and Accountability 

The forum highlighted the importance of the NDIS Safeguards Commission's role in eliminating exploitation within the system. Bill Shorten underscored the importance of cracking down on providers who charge high rates without compensating their staff fairly. The Commission is actively working to protect participants and ensure a fair distribution of wages and services.


NDIA Staffing and Service Delays 

Bill Shorten also touched on the ongoing staffing shortages within the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which have led to delays in processing change of circumstances and plan reviews. In response, the NDIA has been hiring more staff to tackle these issues, particularly focusing on improving response times for phone queries and applications. The aim is to streamline the process and reduce the backlog that has built up in recent months.

 

Language Interpretation in Sports 

An attendee raised a concern about the barriers faced by people with disabilities in sports due to language interpretation issues. Bill Shorten revealed that efforts are underway to increase the number of interpreters, aiming to break down communication barriers and make sports more accessible for all.

 

Change of Circumstance Applications: A Work in Progress 

When asked about the timeframe for processing change of circumstance applications, Bill explained that the surge in requests has contributed to delays. However, he reassured attendees that NDIA is actively training new staff and investigating applications thoroughly to ensure that additional funding requests are granted based on need, not connections or influence.


Supporting Children with Delays in Schools 

A company owner raised concerns about the removal of support for children with delays in schools, specifically for those not covered by the NDIS. Bill acknowledged that while NDIS is not responsible for education, the Department of Education and state governments need to step up and provide the necessary funding to support these children.

 

Transport and Indexation Issues 

One memorable moment during the forum involved a father sharing his story about his daughter, who is employed by the Endeavour Foundation and earns only $5 an hour. After overcharging her funding by $10k, the foundation quickly reversed the error when the father threatened to raise the issue directly with Bill Shorten. Bill agreed that the indexation of transport costs needs to be reviewed and promised to bring the issue to the board. He also acknowledged the ongoing debate about minimum wage for people with disabilities working in Supported Employment and committed to advocating for fairer wages.

 

NDIS Support Coordinators: The Role of Navigators 

Finally, Bill spoke about the crucial role of NDIS Support Coordinators, or "navigators," who will be better trained to handle the complexities of the scheme and provide clear, reliable information to participants. The NDIA is committed to upgrading systems and training staff to minimise delays and ensure that the NDIS remains effective and fair for all participants.


Tackling the Staffing Shortage

Bill concluded by highlighting efforts to address staffing shortages in key government departments. The NDIA has taken a significant step by employing 78% of its workforce from the disability community, a promising move toward a more inclusive workforce. Meanwhile, Services Australia has employed 6% of people with disabilities, and Centrelink is also increasing its staffing, although no specific disability employment statistics were shared.

 

Moving Forward Together

The forum with Bill Shorten provided valuable insights into the ongoing improvements within the NDIS. From early interventions for children to enhanced oversight and staffing, it’s clear that efforts are being made to address current challenges and strengthen the system.

 

At Holistic Support Services, we are committed to staying informed and actively engaging with these changes to ensure that our participants receive the highest level of support. As we continue to work together, both as service providers and as part of a larger NDIS community, we are confident that the ongoing evolution of the scheme will lead to a fairer and more effective system for everyone.


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