National Disability Insurance

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), when fully operational in 2020, is expected to have some 475,000 participants. This major Commonwealth, State and Territory commitment will cost some $20 billion and is designed to improve the lives of the most profoundly disabled in our communities.

As chair of the Parliamentary oversight committee, I have spent the past 15 months listening to experts, service providers and participants across the nation.

To date only one jurisdiction, the ACT, has transitioned fully to the Scheme, with the others dues to do so over the coming years.

The Committee has tabled four reports in the current Parliament. In tabling the latest report recently, I said of the four reports:”Individually and collectively they present a disturbing picture of the operation of the NDIS. Not only are key goals being missed, the experience of the Scheme for too many participants and providers alike is inconsistent, haphazard and inadequate. And this is occurring at a time when the rollout is about to be accelerated significantly.

“There is enormous goodwill and considerable hope that this Scheme will improve the lives of the most disabled in our community. While this has been the experience of many, there are a significant number of cases where these aspirations are simply not being met. Therefore there is an urgent need for remedial action to be taken by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

“There is also an urgent need for the states and territories to share accurate and timely information and to commit themselves to the provision of ongoing disability services for people not covered by the Scheme.”

At hearings in Sydney, the committee heard of ongoing challenges, especially for early childhood hearing services.  We will continue to monitor the operation of the Scheme and make recommendations to improve service delivery.