News & Events
Providers do not need to transition to the new group pricing methodology until 1 July 2022. Transition to the new pricing regime can occur anytime from 1 July 2021. NDS will continue advocating as necessary.
Disability provider alert from Department of Health 2 June 2021.
COVID-19 vaccinations will be prioritised for Victorian workers in disability residential services. Workers will have priority walk-in access to 10 vaccination hubs for five days between 9am and 4pm. Staff can receive Pfizer or AstraZeneca depending on their age All sites have a minimum standard of accessibility, with nine sites across the state being developed with enhanced accessibility.
Last week, the Disability Royal Commission turned its attention to service providers. The hearing was a case study of a specialist disability accommodation (SDA) house run by a service provider in Western Sydney. NDS highlighted a number of questions asked by the Royal Commission in a news update.
Updated guidance for residential and non-residential disability services during Victoria’s circuit-breaker lockdown from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Minister Reynolds advises she has now initiated three streams of activity to assist the Department of Health to accelerate the vaccination process. In addition, DSS will explore the potential for setting up provider hubs to facilitate an in-reach vaccination program.
On 19 May 2021, the Department of Health issued a new COVID-19 vaccination – Disability Provider Alert. This includes 3 infographic attachments which are listed under the provider alert which you can download from the website
NDS CEO David Moody represented members' views to the Royal Commission at a hearing on the Australian Government's COVID-19 vaccine rollout on Monday 17 May 2021. Evidence focused on the lack of information available to the sector and people with disability, as well as the Government's decision to prioritise aged care, discovered during Senate Estimates and not advised to the sector.
The vaccination program in Victoria has been expanded to include priority disability workers under 50 years of age. All Victorians aged over 50 continue to remain eligible for vaccination. Vaccination centres across metro and regional Victoria will deliver vaccines to eligible workers, carers and volunteers by appointment
The Disability Royal Commission's final reporting date has been extended until 29 September 2023. The extension is to account for the impact of COVID-19 as well as recognising the broad issues of inquiry under the Royal Commission's Terms of Reference.
