Here to Stay: Working to future proof the NDIS

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.

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