The passing of amendments to the proposed NDIS legislation is a positive step for many people across the disability community.
We’re pleased to see the Australian Government has listened to concerns raised by people with disability, families, advocates and providers, particularly around the potential impact on people with severe and complex support needs and those who require 24/7 support.
While we recognise there are still challenges and uncertainties for people who access NDIS-funded social and community participation supports, these amendments provide important safeguards for some of the most at risk people in our community.
Protection for people who need 24-hour support
One of the key concerns raised throughout consultation was the possibility that future funding changes could reduce support for entire categories of services. The amendments introduce a special plan variation pathway, allowing people who require continuous 24-hour support to have their funding cut reconsidered to ensure they are not left with inadequate supports. This helps ensure people can continue to receive the support they need to live safely and well.
A formal escalation pathway for high-risk participants
The amendments also establish an escalation pathway for participants who are considered high risk or particularly vulnerable. This creates a clearer process for urgent reviews and intervention when there are concerns about a person’s safety, wellbeing or support arrangements.
At Melba, we remain committed to advocating for the rights, choice and wellbeing of the people we support. We’ll continue to monitor legislative changes and work alongside our community to understand what these reforms mean in practice.
We know there are still questions about how broader NDIS changes will affect social and community participation supports. As more information becomes available, we’ll continue to share updates and support people to navigate the evolving NDIS landscape.
Carolyn has many years of experience working in disability services and with the NDIS.
If there is something in your NDIS plan that you don’t understand, or something doesn’t seem right, Carolyn can:
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