Following on from our recent blog on Minister Robert's speech at the National Press Club, this article provides a bit more detail on the improvements identified by the recent review and the priorities highlighted by the Minister. In his recent speech, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Stuart Robert confirmed that the plan’s roll-out as the ‘largest social reform this country has seen since the introduction of Medicare.’ Minister Robert admitted, however,

A person-centred approach helps organisations provide accessible, responsive and flexible services that meet the diverse needs and preferences of people living in our community. Many of these individuals want to remain independent for as long as possible and rely on the community care system to help them achieve this. Australia is experiencing a demographic shift with a rapid increase in the number of older Australians. The population aged 65 years and over is projected to in

There is significant change involved for providers to transition to the new behaviour support and restrictive practices arrangements as part of the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission. As the NDIS Commission begins operation progressively across Australia, transitional provisions give providers time to meet the new requirements. In this blog we update you on the new requirements for providers. The new arrangements for behaviour support under the NDIS Commission focus on

Newly re-elected Prime Minister Scott Morrison says fixing problems in the National Disability Insurance Scheme will be an immediate priority for the re-elected Coalition government. The Prime Minister has publicly stated following the win that addressing failures in the NDIS was among his first priorities. This pledge has been welcomed by disability groups who are keen to see immediate action taken by the new Cabinet to improve the way the scheme works. During the election c

A new short course is now available to assist all NDIS workers to better support people with disability. The Worker Orientation Module: ‘Quality, Safety and You’ is a free, interactive online short course that explains the obligations of workers under the NDIS Code of Conduct from the perspective of NDIS participants. It was developed in consultation with the sector, including NDIS providers and people with a disability. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete the f

The recent Federal Budget confirmed around $1.6 billion in funding earmarked for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) had been left unspent and will not be added to its 2019–20 funding allocation. The leftover money will go towards the Government’s surplus, a move made possible after responsibility for NDIS appropriations was shifted from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to the Department of Social Services. Associate Professor Bob Davis, Chair

Today, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has officially announced a disability royal commission, having gained the necessary approvals from the Governor-General and support from the states and territories. Former Federal Court judge Ronald Sackville AO, QC will lead the commission, supported by five commissioners. "We have to establish a culture of respect for people living with disabilities and the families who support, love and care for them," Mr Morrison said. Key Points Forme

The Federal Treasurer Mr Josh Frydenberg handed down the 2019-20 Federal Budget at 7.30pm on 2 April 2019 and below are some highlights and commentary on the budget items that impact our sector. Disability Royal Commission The federal government will allocate $527.9m over five years for a royal commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability. In February Scott Morrison had signalled an expansion to the commission, suggesting it could be of