Ndis.gov.au - Latest News - 27 March 2024
Today the Australian Government will introduce to Parliament changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that will deliver for those who need it most and will contribute towards the NDIS once again being delivered in line with its original intent.
By tabling the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 today, this Government is keeping its promise to legislate in the first half of 2024, as agreed at National Cabinet in December 2023.
The Bill will usher in a new era of NDIS reforms that ensure the Scheme can continue to provide life-changing outcomes for future generation of Australians with disability and to make sure every dollar in the Scheme gets to the participants for whom the Scheme was designed.
It will also bolster the powers of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to protect participants from illegal and unethical conduct.
Priority reform for Government in this Bill is focused on access, plans and budget settings, and quality and safety.
Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten MP highlighted to participants and the disability sector that reforms would not happen overnight.
“Review recommendations will take years to implement. Today is the next step in the journey. For the past three months, I have travelled around Australia talking to people with disability and the sector. In just over 12 weeks, I hosted a national tour of 8 townhalls, where thousands of Australians heard, discussed and asked questions about the Review’s proposed reforms and what needs to happen next.” Minister Shorten said.
“There will be a significant piece of work to collaborate with people with disability the reforms and we are seeking the lived experience of the disability community as we continue to strengthen the Scheme together.
“The legislation will boost the NDIS watchdog’s ability to take compliance action, building on the comprehensive reforms we have already made to crack down on fraud and safeguard the Scheme for participants.”
This Bill is a significant step towards implementing the agreement of National Cabinet to return the NDIS to its original intent and create a thriving ecosystem of disability supports across Australia.
“This Bill being presented today is the next part of our journey towards an improved NDIS, Minister Shorten said.
“This Bill paves the way for future improvements that will put participants back at the heart of the NDIS and ensure every NDIS dollar is put towards those who the Scheme was originally intended to support.
“This legislation will also work towards Scheme sustainability and ensure the Scheme is equipped to support participants for generations to come.”
https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/9975-getting-ndis-back-track