The latest on NDIS

On April 19, this year Minister for the NDIS, the Hon Bill Shorten was joined by NSW Minister for Disability Inclusion, the Hon Kate Washington at the National Press Club.

Quoted from Emily Caska, CEO Down Syndrome NSW

In his “state of the union” address, Minister Shorten affirmed his personal pledge that the NDIS is here to stay, though not without a need to get it back on track, with a number of quick wins achieved in this respect.

Looking to the future, six key areas of systemic reform were outlined with the aim of delivering better outcomes and ongoing sustainability, namely:

• Lifting the capability, skills and specialisation of the NDIA Workforce, including greater oversight of core functions to ensure better outcomes,
  
• Adopting a long term planning approach with appropriate checks along the way,
  
• Eliminating unethical practices and misuse of the NDIS, beyond criminal syndicates to include untrustworthy providers,
  
• Addressing spiralling expenses, inefficiencies, overcharging and incentive based outcomes to reduce support over time where possible,
  
• Increasing community and mainstream supports through investment and better commitment from the states,
  
• Improving housing and accommodation, with a focus on Supported Independent Living, to deliver better options, outcomes, quality and safety.
  

Where I think further improvements can be made, in addition to this on-the-money list are:

• participant pathways and continuity of support,
  
• navigation both within and outside the NDIS including tier two,
  
• the important role of siblings,
  
• equity in funding and outcomes,
  
• thin market considerations for regional, rural and remote communities,
  
• workforce quality and growth to meet demand,
  
• considerations of group pricing models and benefits,
  
• efficient procurement and distribution of assistive technology and aids,
  
• building the capacity of the sector with a focus on NGO’s,
  
• critical role of advocacy organisations,
  
• future planning including estates,
  
• employment support and skills development.

Many of these are on the reform agenda in addition to the big six above.

In the tenth year of the NDIS, with one hand we raise a glass (or maybe a finger, depending on your experience), on the other hand we roll up our sleeve. Maybe not to the Braveheart levels of our Every Australian Counts Campaign, but requiring cohesive effort and a sprinkle of optimism nonetheless. We all have a role to play, stories to share, ideas worth igniting, failures not to be feared.

What may feel like déjà vu to some, to me feels like an opportunity to finally get this revolutionary thing called the NDIS right.

If not the NDIS, what? 

So, NDIS 2.0 - let’s go!

Full commentary from https://lnkd.in/gANeQ66p