PDA Members are invited to attend our AGM on Saturday 23rd November 2024 via Zoom.
1pm NSW/VIC/TAS/ACT
12:30pm SA
12pm QLD
11:30am NT
10am WA
Join us to hear what we’ve been up to in 2024, what our plans are moving forwards and to be part of the Physical Disability Australia conversation.
With updates from the PDA Team, our Annual General Meeting will be a great chance for Members to be an active part of the PDA community.
We hope that you join us and look forward to welcoming you.
Wherever you are in Australia, you can attend via Zoom.
All you need is a phone, laptop, tablet or computer.
But you will need to register by going to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpf-2hrTwiGtehkc5T978MOBEmon6-EZDk
If you don’t have a Zoom account, signing up is free, quick and easy by going to www.zoom.us/signup
If you experience problems, please email us at promotion@pda.org.au or call 1800 PDA ORG (1800 732 674).
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Meeting documents will be circulated ahead of the AGM.
We really look forward to you joining us and saying “hi”.
Have you heard about WorkAbility Expos?
They’re an initiative funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and designed to help people with disabilities find meaningful employment.
Connecting employers and people with disability, these events are more than just job fairs. They provide supportive environments where people with disability can make meaningful connections and find resources to help them succeed on their employment journey.
So what can you expect at a WorkAbility Expo?
So when and where are these Workability Expos happening?
Brisbane, Melbourne, Geelong, Hunter & Gold Coast are all ‘integrated’ events, which means they are taking place at the same venue and time as our Disability Expos.
Brisbane Disability & WorkAbility Expo
Fri 1st & Sat 2nd November 2024
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Melbourne Disability & WorkAbility Expo
Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd November 2024
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Wollongong WorkAbility Expo
Tues 3rd December 2024
The Fraternity Club
Geelong Disability & WorkAbility Expo
Fri 14th & Sat 15th March 2025
Geelong Arena
Adelaide WorkAbility Expo
Tues 29th April 2025
Adelaide Showgrounds
Hunter Disability & WorkAbility Expo
Fri 9th & Sat 10th May 2025
Newcastle Entertainment Centre
Virtual WorkAbility Expo
Tues 20th May 2025
Gold Coast Disability & WorkAbility Expo
Fri 6th & Sat 7th June 2025
Coomera Indoor Sports Centre
Darwin WorkAbility Expo
Tues 17th June 2025
Territory Netball Stadium
Don’t miss this opportunity to take the next step in your employment journey.
Whether you’re looking for your first job, looking to advance in your career, or considering starting your own business, the WorkAbility Expo is the place to be.
Register by going to:
www.workabilityexpo.com.au/events/
A Virtual WorkAbility Expo will also be held on Tuesday 20th May 2025 for those unable to make it along to one of the WorkAbility Expos. Registration details for this Virtual Event will be released soon. Keep checking out www.workabilityexpo.com.au/events/ for updates.
With everyone dealing with the challenges of life, it’s sometimes difficult for us to allow time to focus on our own wellbeing and to put ourselves first.
Use today to give yourself a break, to just breathe and to give self-care and support to your mental health.
If you, or someone near you, is needing help today or any day, please speak with a healthcare professional, family member or friend or contact
because we’re all worth it.
Do you live in Queensland and use public transport?
Intopia is collaborating with a Queensland transport agency to gather feedback on new updates to their website.
As part of the process they’re looking to speak with people who:
Participation will include a 30-minute tech check and a 60-minute user feedback session.
Sessions will take place online via Zoom.
Payment:
* Tech check: $50
* User feedback session: $100
All up, you will be paid $150 for your time.
Don’t miss out on this paid opportunity to share your valuable perspective.
To register your interest and confirm your eligibility, go to:
https://connect.intopia.digital/paid-feedback-opportunity-registration-three
General supports are one part of Foundational Supports that will aim to improve access to information and connection to the right services and supports.
You can learn more about these by going to:
www.engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/general-supports/
To have your say on general supports, you can:
For more info visit www.engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports or email foundationalsupports@thesocialdeck.com
Consultation events are also available. You can attend an in person or online roundtable conversation on the design of general supports. Events are facilitated by people with disability.
Registrations are open for some in person events, with more opening soon.
For more details or to register your interest in these, go to:
www.engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/consultations-calendar-and-registrations/
A Webinar recording from the DSS’ introductory webinar on Foundational Supports consultation (20 September) can now be accessed by going to:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPDnH_QN5S0
Topics covered:
Speakers: The Hon. Amanda Rishworth MP, Mel Butcher, Jane Britt and Dr George Taleporos.
Foundational Supports Ideas Wall
The Foundational Supports Ideas Wall is an online, moderated forum where you can share ideas about general supports, as part of the design of Foundational Supports. Write your own thoughts, or comment on those of others.
www.engage.thesocialdeck.com.au/foundational-supports
To receive updates on upcoming consultations, subscribe to the Foundational Supports newsletter by emailing:
foundational.supports@dss.gov.au using
“Please add me to the Foundational Supports mailing list”
in the subject line.
As part of DSS’ ongoing effort to improve communication, they are transitioning to a new mailbox subscription system, called Swift Digital. This will streamline how they handle enquiries and improve the look and accessibility of their newsletter. They expect the new platform to go live soon. Existing subscribers will receive further information about this, including how to opt out or unsubscribe, if you choose to.
For more information, visit DSS Engage:
www.engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/.
“Hello,
I’m writing to give you more information about the changes to NDIS supports that started on 3 October 2024.
I understand change can cause concern for some participants, families and carers.
I want to assure you the purpose of the NDIS is staying the same. It will continue to provide NDIS participants with funding for disability related supports.
This email outlines how these changes will impact you as a participant, or as the nominee for an NDIS participant.
Easy Read and Auslan translations of this email will be available on the NDIS website in the coming days.
You will be able to access those translations on this page of the NDIS website [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f867cd5a048319cf1928823154901c71c15c48cd1347a848abd4be80d31fbd438a907d2c5bdcbc2dfac915f4b4b4db6f50].
We are here to help you understand these changes and how they affect you.
We will keep sharing information with you to help you understand what is changing and how it affects you.
What’s changing and what it means for participants?
From 3 October 2024, there is a new definition of NDIS supports.
This means that starting on 3 October, participants:
These lists are available at the page below:
What does NDIS fund? [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f85628163f026085f3adfeb5e42716db01703e8109e4abab7a6f0b58bbd3898100723cda0dee7ccea07d4827393dfeb328]
This change affects all participants.
From 3 October, participants, plan nominees and plan managers must only spend NDIS funding on items in the list of NDIS supports.
This change makes it clear what NDIS funding can be spent on, and will help participants make informed choices about using their NDIS funding.
The definition of NDIS supports is based on current guidance.
Participants who use a plan manager or support coordinator should talk to them about what this means for current service agreements and supports. We are also working with providers to make sure they understand the lists, too.
What happens if you buy non-NDIS supports?
There will be a 12-month transition period for the NDIS support lists.
During this period if a participant makes a mistake and purchases a non-NDIS support, the NDIA will not raise a debt:
This transition period does not apply if a participant purchases illegal items with funding from their plan.
This transition period gives participants time to learn and change supports where needed.
If a participant accidentally spends their NDIS funding on something that is not an NDIS support, we will work with them to understand the new rules and access supports. If incorrect claims are repeated or fraudulent, we will take further action.
We know most participants do the right thing. The lists are not being introduced to make things harder for people, or to catch people out.
Our priority is participant wellbeing.
We will work with participants to make sure everyone understands the lists, and can get the NDIS supports they need.
Replacement supports process
Participants can ask for an NDIS support to be replaced with certain non-NDIS supports. These are called replacement supports.
Replacement supports must be from the pre-approved list.
You can find this list of replacement supports on the same page as the NDIS supports list:
What does NDIS fund? [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f87ad852a1d6c01bb9d6085322756038da5e86c647da7ed6eb3f2894dd3950b79d50807b0c92fea29731af299204f629ba]
To get a replacement support approved, participants need to show that the replacement support will lead to the same or better outcomes, and be the same or better value for money, compared to the current NDIS support.
Participants must follow this process before purchasing the replacement support. It cannot be done after purchasing a non-NDIS support.
If an application for a replacement support for an item is not approved, the participant can’t apply for that same replacement support again for 12 months.
Where to go for more information
We are committed to making sure everyone has the information they need about these changes. We will continue sharing resources on our website and across our communications channels. You can find that information at the sources below:
Lists of NDIS supports and non-NDIS supports [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f8ba64b4c7406a6a6b0b9eb3b9c952f8bc87c207fee65f918cbdc56e18a06652324e5494088daec58cc58e49cd958e811f].
Easy Read and Auslan versions of the lists will be available on that page in the coming days.
Latest information and news about changes to the NDIS [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f892ca1975754b40fcd221f075be7dfa89b9e2c6d5a0e4c8f1a9981e036e1290c1e6cace89cca57e8d6af0de7517f0265a].
Subscribe to the NDIS newsletter [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f8eda541581f2b368d9f0f80498253e6c1d9d8f285dbd2cf463d757925d30a68accf19171259cb57ea5c813596074e35db].
For opportunities to give feedback on the NDIS, we encourage you to join Participant First [http://click.e.ndis.gov.au/?qs=2af4d665ff9643f82985bca68a4d7a9ee957c27657b02ee53b5da2920e7f5cebc0ba56b83ea8c6fd6478685a5325667de46af0ee40645f7d].
Kind Regards,
Rebecca Falkingham
Chief Executive Officer “
NDIS National Disability Insurance Scheme
https://view.e.ndis.gov.au/?vawpToken=HPYV2X3Q3WQUFKBCBAXXZA4AOA.510001
To the Editor,
NDIS changes need input from participants
Recent criticism of the National Disability Insurance Scheme as an economic burden overlooks its critical role in supporting Australia’s economy and communities (‘‘NDIS cost blowout adds to inflation’’, September 27).
We agree, there are issues within the NDIS that need urgent reform, particularly around red tape, inefficiencies and accountability. These must be addressed to ensure the NDIS remains sustainable and delivers essential benefits to people with disabilities and the broader economy.
Economic benefits and multiplier affect
The NDIS channels funding directly into communities, supporting jobs in the disability, health and allied sectors, while fostering economic activity in sectors including retail, housing and hospitality. The multiplier effect of this spending is substantial.
Every dollar invested in the NDIS generates significant returns, through the jobs it creates and the economic participation it enables for people with disabilities. In regions where traditional industries such as manufacturing have declined, NDIS funding has created jobs that are local, sustainable and not subject to outsourcing.
Challenges that need reform
The scheme’s administrative complexity and layers of bureaucracy are driving up costs and making it different for participants to access the supports they need. Red tape and inefficiencies, often stemming from the overcomplicated processes within the Australian Public Service, are significantly inflating the cost of services. One example is the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) installation, which exceeded its budget by more than $200 million.
Fraud and mismanagement are also significant concerns. The government has taken steps to crack down on fraudulent activities. However, stronger protections are needed to ensure robo-debt is not repeated – the current legislation allows public servants to issue fines and debts without appeal or oversight of the courts. Fraud prevention measures must be balanced with reduction in red tape, ensuring that honest participants and providers are not burdened by excessive administrative hurdles.
Oversight and governance
Another area of concern is the unprecedented power granted to public officials under the new NDIS laws coming into effect in October. These give officials significant discretion over participants’ budgets and supports, but provide limited avenues for external review or accountability.
Some legal scholars have raised questions about the constitutionality of these reforms, particularly around the concentration of power in a few public servants. This echoes the issues highlighted by the robo-debt royal commission, where unchecked power and a lack of accountability within the APS led to one of Australia’s worst public policy disasters.
The promise of co-design
While the government has repeatedly promised ‘‘co-design’’ with the disability community, we are still waiting to see this materialise in any meaningful way.
Time and again, we have had consultation, only to be told at the last minute of the government’s interventions, with little opportunity to provide input or shape the outcome. Co-design must mean genuine partnership in decision-making, where people with disabilities, their families and carers have a real voice in shaping the future of the NDIS.
The NDIS is a critical investment in Australia’s economy, but it urgently needs reform of the right kind, developed and in partnership with the disability community.
Yours Faithfully, for and on behalf of Physical Disability Australia,
Andrew Fairbairn (PDA’s Interim Executive Officer), and Tim Harte (PDA’s Acting President)
Changes to the NDIS are in place as of today and, in spite of efforts to make this transition simple and as seamless as possible, there’s still a lot of uncertainty and concern around where NDIS money can be used.
You can access the list by going to:
https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/media/1749/download
or
https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/media/1751/download (Easy Read version)
Supports no longer allowed will be considered by the NDIA, as long as they are cost effective and viewed as suitable replacements. Only one swap per year for each type of support is permitted.
The NDIA has allowed a transition period to enable everyone to learn the new rules and not to be penalised for accidental mistakes. Purchases costing less than $1,500 that aren’t allowed will not result in an immediate debt to the participant, with a two warnings grace allowed.
You can also find out more about supports that are and are not NDIS supports and replacement lists by going to:
https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund
Understandably these new rules may be difficult to navigate and you may be feeling overwhelmed.
If you have questions about these changes and how they affect you, please call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
If you are in need of emotional support, please speak with a friend, family member, health professional or Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) or headspace (1800 650 890).
The NDIA is inviting Expressions of Interest to join their new Independent Advisory Council First Nations Reference.
This is your opportunity to help shape a better future for mob with disability.
EOI Opens: 1 October 2024
EOI Closes: 5pm AEST on Tuesday 29 October 2024.
The NDIA is seeking driven and engaged First Nations people with disability to join this Reference Group. Members will play a critical role in improving outcomes for mob with disability, offering independent advice to the NDIA.
What they’re looking for:
Individuals who are passionate, connected, and committed to advocating for the First Nations disability community.
As a member of the IAC FNRG, you’ll provide advice and influence decisions that impact First Nations people with disability.
What you’ll do:
For more information, and to be sent the information booklet, please contact Matthew Berne, First Nations Governance Branch on 0456 692 698 or email matthew.berne@ndis.gov.au
To apply: Email IAC with your completed EOI form advisorycouncil@ndis.gov.au before 5pm AEST Tuesday 29 October 2024.
Once your EOI has been reviewed, they will inform you of the outcome by early December 2024.
With the new NDIS laws coming into effect on Thursday (3rd October), there’s a lot of concern, confusion and stress around the way that this will impact participants of the scheme.
These adjustments will bring new rules for participants and how their funding can be used.
Whilst the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), has made assurances around keeping participants informed, there is still no definitive clarity or reassurances ahead of Thursday’s changes.
We can only hope that these modifications are clearly and easily understood and that the NDIS keeps those it was established for central and paramount to this new version.
PDA would appreciate hearing your thoughts and concerns around these changes. Please leave a comment below or email us at promotion@pda.org.au.
1800 732 674
