Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation
Committee’s Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Getting the
NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024
23 May 2024
People with Disability Australia has provided feedback the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee’s Inquiry into the NDIS Amendment (Getting the
NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024.
PWDA extensively engaged with our national membership to help shape our response to the NDIS Amendment Bill.
We surveyed our membership and received 259 responses, and through two dedicated membership consultations we consulted with 61 people from the disability community.
Our submission proudly reflects their views and is firmly rooted in a rights-based approach.
This legislation is not universally welcomed by members, who have reservations about the implementation of this legislation, including the view that its introduction may be premature.
PWDA recommends a delay in the commencement of the NDIS Amendment Bill until the foundational support strategy is clearly defined, agreed upon, and when support is solidly in place.
This delay will ensure that all people with a disability, including the most marginalised, can access the supports we need to live active, engaged, and healthy lives.
You can also read our NDIS Review member engagement survey report.
Summary of Recommendations
Recommendation 1 – The right to appeal
Recommendation 2 – Genuine co-design involvement
Recommendation 3 – Continuous co-design in implementation processes
Recommendation 4 – Comprehensive needs assessment
Recommendation 5 – Identifying and addressing all needs
Recommendation 6 – Participant discussions before finalisation
Recommendation 7 – Clear review and appeal processes
Recommendation 8 – Transparent budget calculation methods
Recommendation 9 – Evidence-based, participant-centred tools
Recommendation 10 – Supported decision-making consideration
Recommendation 11 – Safeguards against hardship
Recommendation 12 – Fair approach to spending breaches
Recommendation 13 – Evidence-based changes to plan management
Recommendation 14 – Presumption of participant plan management choice