This submission will make recommendations aimed at enhancing the Bill’s ability to achieve its objectives. While not within the scope of this Inquiry, we note that the Government must provide the ART with sufficient funding to achieve its objectives, particularly the objective of accessibility.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides a critical way for people with disability to access housing and living supports. The NDIS Review Final Report has made two recommendations to reform current housing and living support, with a stated aim of improving access for all people with disability.
As we enter the 2024-2025 financial year, significant disability reform will need to commence with the Australian Government as well as state and territory governments, implementing agreed recommendations from both reform processes. Implementing recommendations will take years, and if done ‘right’, these reforms will have a lasting positive impact on people with disability, their families, friends and communities. However, this is no simple task, and it will take time and resources.
The NDIS Review released its Final Report on 7 December 2023, with a recommendation to create a regulation scheme for NDIS service providers based on the level of risk perceived in delivering disability services and supports, with six associated actions to support the proposed scheme.
The Independent Review of the NDIS (the Review) Final Report has recognised change is necessary to ensure all people with disability get the right support at the right time. The Review recommended developing a separate tier of disability services, called Foundational Supports, which can be accessed by all people with disability, and actions to address the lack of accessible and inclusive mainstream services, that include healthcare, education and transport.
It is with sadness that People with Disability Australia (PWDA) announce the resignation of Nicole Lee as our President and Board Director effective Thursday 11 January 2024.
So far, we have found recommendations that could deliver positive outcomes and others that could have negative consequences, with questions remaining over how the report’s findings will be rolled-out and the safeguards to prevent unintended consequences.
The All Abilities Ball was a shining example of how to make an event inclusive for people with disability. The event celebrated diversity and acceptance, while providing extra supports like quiet spaces and availability of accessible taxis to attendees.
PWDA members are invited to register your interest to join PWDA as marchers in the 2024 Sydney Mardi Gras parade! There is a limited number of spots for participants and priority will be given to PWDA members and LGBTQIA+ community members.
