National Disability Services (NDS), the peak body for non-government disability providers, extends gratitude to the Independent NDIS Review Panel for its comprehensive examination of the disability sector. These findings, coupled with recent recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission, lay a crucial foundation for reform, and NDS is committed to collaborative efforts with the government, people with disability, and the sector to achieve this. 

While the review recommends many positive steps, the sector's current financial challenges, compounded by chronic workforce shortages, cannot be ignored for effective implementation and lasting changes. 

NDS welcomes the report's recommendations addressing long-standing issues with the NDIS, including more support for participants to find the supports they need, better supports for those who are not NDIS participants, worker screening, as well as supporting better options for homes and living.  

We anticipate suggested changes to the role of the NDIS Commission and increased oversight across supports, particularly those with a potential for higher risk, will enhance participant safety and service quality. 

However, these reforms rely on a viable and growing disability sector and the latest figures paint a clear picture that this is not the case, as many struggle to financially sustain their services. 

NDS called for an NDIS Reform Implementation Taskforce and is pleased to see recommendations for an NDIS Review Implementation Advisory Committee. An advisory  body led by people with disability, their representatives, providers, and critical stakeholders, coupled with government funding, is essential for ensuring a co-designed, safe, and practical implementation of reforms. 

We welcome the announcement of an independent pricing mechanism, however it is absolutely critical that pricing issues are addressed quickly to ensure financial viability of the sector moving forward. If this is at all delayed, the sector is at risk of market failure and many providers won’t survive.  

Unfortunately, the report falls short in introducing many new measures to attract and retain the workers urgently needed by the sector, despite countless calls as the sector continues to recover its workforces post-COVID.  

NDS is committed to creating an inclusive Australia where all people with disability live safely and equitably and we look forward to collaborative efforts with the government and the industry to realise this vision. 

Article sourced from National Disability Services