The 2019 Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 report was released on 20 January 2020.
The report established that many participants, their carers and families expressed dissatisfaction with the scheme. Common concerns include complexity, extensive wait times, lack of transparency in decision-making and a feeling that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) staff do not understand disability or appreciate the challenges they face.
The report made 29 recommendations aimed at improving the participant experience, including new standards and processes to support the delivery of the Participant Service Guarantee, which is to be rolled out on 1 July 2020.
The Participant Service Guarantee will set out standards the NDIA must meet: reasonable timeframes, transparency with decision-making and improved service delivery.
At the time of writing, we were eagerly awaiting a formal Government response to the report’s recommendations, after which the Australian Federal Government will work with state governments and the NDIA to develop legislative and operational changes required to deliver the Participant Service Guarantee and an improved experience for participants and providers.
You can access the report from claust.com.au/useful-links.
Community Living Australia will continue to monitor developments in this space and will keep you informed of any important changes.
