Author: Natasha Nobay

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:

• consider and review the consultation paper
• answer the online questionnaire (https://engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/general-supports-questionnaire/) and/or;
• submit your thoughts through a written, audio recording or video recording response.
  (https://engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/have-your-say/)

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:

• Foundational Supports overview and
• how you can get involved in consultations.

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/.

Friday, 4 October 2024

“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:

• * can only spend NDIS funding on things that are in the approved list of NDIS supports.

• * cannot spend NDIS funding on things in the list of non-NDIS supports.

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:

• * for the first or second mistakes made;
• * if the support is worth less than $1,500.
• * Where a provider is delivering or claiming for supports on a participant’s behalf, for example a plan manager, the transition period is 30 days.

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).

Here’s your chance to be involved.

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:

• Participate in meetings (including online and in-person) to address key issues affecting First Nations people with disability.
• Provide advice about issues facing First Nations people in your community
• Listen to others and discuss sensitive matters
• Be paid for your time.

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.

Letter to the Editor: NDIS—A Pillar for the Economy, But Reform is Needed

To the Editor,

The recent criticism of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as an economic burden overlooks its critical role in supporting Australia’s economy and communities. However, we agree that there are issues within the NDIS that need urgent reform, particularly around red tape, inefficiencies, and accountability. These challenges must be addressed to ensure that the NDIS remains sustainable and continues to deliver the essential benefits it provides to people with disabilities and the broader economy.

Economic Benefits and Multiplier Effect of the NDIS

The NDIS is a cornerstone of Australia’s economic ecosystem. It channels funding directly into local communities, supporting jobs in the disability, health and allied sectors, whilst 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, both 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 provided an economic lifeline, creating jobs that are local, sustainable and not subject to outsourcing. This type of investment is particularly valuable at a time when Australia faces significant challenges from global economic shifts and the decline of industrial sectors.

Challenges That Need Reform

The NDIS is not without its problems. The scheme’s administrative complexity and layers of bureaucracy are driving up costs and making it difficult for participants to access the supports they need. Red tape and inefficiencies, often stemming from the overcomplicated processes within the Australian Public Service (APS), are significantly inflating the cost of services. A simple example being the Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) installation, which exceeded its budget by over $200 million. This is reflective of broader issues within the APS, where a lack of oversight and accountability can lead to costly failures.

Furthermore, fraud and mismanagement within the scheme are also significant concerns. The government has taken steps to crack down on fraudulent activities, however stronger protections need to occur to ensure Robodebt is not repeated as the current legislation allows public servants to issue fines and debts without means of appeal or external oversight of the courts. Fraud prevention measures must be balanced with reduction in red tape, thereby ensuring that honest participants and providers are not burdened by excessive administrative hurdles.

Oversight and Governance Concerns

Another area of concern is the unprecedented power granted to public officials under the new NDIS laws set to come into effect in October. These changes 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 the hands of a few public servants.

This echoes the issues highlighted by the Royal Commission into Robodebt, where unchecked power and a lack of accountability within the APS led to one of Australia’s worst public policy disasters. The NDIS risks following a similar path unless stronger oversight mechanisms are introduced to ensure that decisions are transparent, accountable and subject to independent review.

The Promise of Co-Design: Still Waiting

Finally, whilst 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 experienced 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. We must tackle the inefficiencies, fraud and lack of accountability that is undermining the scheme, always ensuring that the voices of the disability community are central to any changes moving forward.

Signed for and on behalf of Physical Disability Australia by

Andrew Fairbairn (PDA’s Interim Executive Officer) and Tim Harte (PDA President)

A collaboration between People with Disability Australia and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is taking place to develop comprehensive educational resources for court professionals.

This initiative underscores the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and support for individuals with disability who engage with the court system.

The first phase of the project involves a Lived Experience Survey to gain insight into the experiences of people with disability who have accessed the FCFCOA in the last three years.

The insights and findings from this survey, along with individual feedback sessions from court staff will be used to tailor education and training programs for court staff.

If you are a person with disability who has had experience with the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in the last three years, please complete the survey or share with anyone you know who fits these criteria.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VJXM5C9

Did you know that physical disability accounts for *76.8% of Australia’s disability community?

There is a huge myriad of conditions that fall under the umbrella of physical disability, which is defined as affecting a person’s mobility, physical capacity, stamina or dexterity.

Physical Disability Australia has been around since 1995 and is one of a very small handful of Australian disability organisations that actually has members and board representation in every Australian state and territory.

This gives us a national footprint and allows PDA to truly have its finger on the pulse of disability in our country.

It is through this representation that our strong voice is heard and that we are included in Australia’s disability conversation.

If you haven’t yet signed up for our FREE MEMBERSHIP, we encourage you to do so by going to our signup page:

www.pda.org.au/membership/

It’s quick, easy and available to Australians living with physical disability, their families, friends, carers, support workers, providers and anyone with a supportive interest in being involved in an organisation that truly understands and stands for the needs, rights and consideration of its members.

Together with the support of our incredible members and the ongoing work of our Board, we will continue to shine as an informed, influential, visible, active and connected organisation that puts disability rights at the forefront of all that we do.

If you haven’t signed up for FREE PDA MEMBERSHIP, what’s stopping you?

Join today.

You’ll be glad that you did.

*https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/latest-release

The Social Deck recently hosted a introductory webinar around Foundational Supports and the upcoming Consultations on behalf of the Department of Social Services (DSS).

A recording of this webinar is now available at:

www.engage.dss.gov.au/foundational-supports/

This linked webpage will also provide you with more information about Foundational Supports and how you can have your say.