NDIS Reform Plans Announced
Announcements made on 28 August 2020 by Minister Robert, the Minister for the NDIS, flag changes associated with moving the NDIS from implementation to a full-scheme operating environment. The proposed changes aim to deliver improvements requested by many participants, families and carers, and providers.
The Participant Service Charter establishes five principles for how the Agency will engage with NDIS participants:
- Transparent
- Responsive
- Respectful
- Empowering
- Connected
The Charter is being implemented immediately and establishes timeframes for processes and when the NDIA must make decisions about access, plan reviews and approvals, and nominee changes.
The Participant Service Improvement Plan has also been announced. The plan outlines changes that the Agency plans to make over the next two years to better meet the expectations of participants.
One of the key changes is the introduction of independent assessments paid for by the NDIA, as trialled previously in NSW. The independents will provide consistency to access decisions and help determine the amount of funding in a participant’s plan.