Summary of NDIS Review’s Key Recommendations:
Unified Support System:
- Introduction of foundational support for those outside the NDIS.
- National Cabinet agreement for collaborative funding of foundational supports.
Enhanced Participant Experience:
- Improved access and eligibility decisions.
- Introduction of Needs Assessors and a ‘Navigator’ function.
- Holistic budgeting at the plan level.
Mainstream Service Improvements:
- Measures to improve educational outcomes.
- Simultaneous funding for aged care and NDIS for those turning 65.
- Unified disability rights legislation.
Support for Decision-Making:
- Enhanced support for decision-making.
- Training for plan nominees.
Support for Children:
- Continuum of support for children.
- Child-centred assessments for equitable early intervention.
Psychosocial Disabilities:
- Refocused support for personal recovery and independence.
- Specialised early intervention streams and coordination with mental health care.
Home and Living Transformations:
- Separation of housing and tenancy.
- Adjusted budget-setting processes.
- Joint decision-making for shared supports.
Technology and Plan Management:
- Technology improvements with a centralised platform.
- Reduced reliance on plan managers through digital payment systems.
Pricing and Regulation Overhaul:
- Transfer of pricing responsibility.
- Risk-proportionate regulation, mandatory worker screening.
Safeguarding the Ecosystem:
- Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy.
- Expanded National Disability Supports Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Stewardship and Collaboration:
- Disability Intergovernmental Agreement and Federation Funding Agreement.
- Independent Disability Outcomes Council for performance monitoring.
The Final Report of the NDIS Review has been publicly released. This is merely the starting line of a marathon, we still don’t know what recommendations will be accepted, what legislation will get through, and what the final product will look like. However, Minister Bill Shorten’s emphasis on considering these recommendations as a cohesive unit propels us into uncharted territory. Let’s navigate the pivotal recommendations guiding the NDIS 2.0.
For context, Minister Shorten established the Review in October 2022. Its remit was to investigate the major issues facing the NDIS, including poor participant experience, the interaction between the NDIS and other parts of government, market stewardship, quality and safeguarding, Scheme sustainability, the breakdown of trust, and pretty much anything NDIS-related you can think of.
1. Unified System of Support:
Addressing the support gap outside the NDIS, the review champions foundational support that is accessible to all. General and targeted supports, backed by a groundbreaking agreement by the National Cabinet, promise to redefine the landscape.
2. Participant Experience Enhancement:
Revamping the participant journey is a key focus. Expect more consistent eligibility decisions, a novel assessment process led by Needs Assessors, and revolutionary planning components. Think holistic budgeting, trust-based oversight, and the introduction of the game-changing ‘Navigator’ function. As a trusted partner, HCPA offers comprehensive solutions to support NDIS providers in their mission to empower individuals with disabilities.
3. Mainstream Service Enhancement:
Acknowledging the historical letdowns, the review champions improvements in educational outcomes, concurrent funding for aged care and NDIS, and the development of unified disability rights legislation. A comprehensive strategy unfolds, encompassing the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Disability Impacts Assessments, and tailored support for First Nations people with disability.
4. Support for Decision-Making:
Decision-making gets a facelift with accessible information, capacity-building support, and nominee training. Rigorous oversight ensures decisions align with participants’ best interests. As the government sets the stage for a task force to navigate these recommendations, the role of HCPA becomes crucial in advocating for healthcare considerations and supporting the implementation of transformative changes.
5. Support for Children:
Children take centre stage with a seamless continuum of support, blending mainstream aid, foundational supports, and NDIS assistance through fair and transparent access. Child-centred assessments replace diagnosis-driven budgeting for equitable early intervention.
6. Supports for Psychosocial Disabilities:
The spotlight turns to psychosocial disabilities, emphasising personal recovery and independence. Specialised early intervention streams and robust coordination with public mental health care set the tone.
7. Home and Living Transformations:
Prepare for a housing and tenancy shake-up, revamped budget-setting processes, and collaborative decision-making for shared support. Trial living arrangements, upgrade strategies for ageing SDA stock, and market adjustments unfold.
8. Technology Investments and Plan Management:
Tech advancements promise a centralised support platform and a fully electronic payment system. The report foresees a diminished role for plan managers, thanks to innovative digital payment systems.
9. Pricing and Regulation Overhaul:
Strategic shifts involve transferring pricing responsibility, risk-proportionate regulation, mandatory worker screening, and reducing restrictive practices.
10. Safeguarding the Ecosystem:
Enter a new era with a Disability Support Ecosystem Safeguarding Strategy, overseeing activities and an expanded National Disability Supports Quality and Safeguards Commission.
11. Stewardship of the United Ecosystem:
Collaboration takes centre stage with a proposed Disability Intergovernmental Agreement, a multilateral Federation Funding Agreement, and an independent Disability Outcomes Council ensuring accountability and performance monitoring.
As we embark on this evolutionary journey, the NDIS 2.0 promises a person-centric paradigm. The five-year transition underscores the meticulous approach to implementation. Brace for a new era where every dollar catalyses meaningful change, enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities. HCPA understands the importance of providing high-quality care and assists NDIS providers in preparing for this future growth. Stay engaged for in-depth explorations as we traverse this groundbreaking evolution together.
HCPA is an all-in-one solution for NDIS providers, supporting them with registration, growth and consulting. Contact us here or call 03 9084 7472 to learn how we can help you succeed.
SOURCES | DSC ‘Breaking: Summary of the NDIS Review’s major recommondations’ |
