RESPONSES TO EVERY AUSTRALIAN COUNTS request to provide feedback to the new Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert on how to get the NDIS back on track: July 2019

The responses from the roundsquared consultants outlined below emphasise the need to immediately restore the $1.6 billion underspend of the NDIS used to put the Budget in surplus; and a fundamental change in the culture of the NDIA and its Partners in the Community to ensure greater transparency of processes; consistency of information; a genuine person centred approach to the planning process; improved staffing to reduce waiting times for home modifications and AT and increased support for families/carers to sustain their informal support. Funding also needs to be allocated to attract and retain allied health professionals and support workers to regional locations and to fund the building more accessible housing.

roundsquared consultants were asked to identify their top 3 issues to be raised with the new Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert, to get the the Scheme back on track.

The Top 3 Issues identified by the roundsquared Consultants are:

The urgent need for better access to allied health professional including psychologists, behavioural therapists, OTs and speech therapists across rural and regional areas so that participants have access to timely assessments and required therapy sessions in accordance with their Plans
The need for transparency in terms of the NDIS administrative processes and greater consistency of information provided to participants, their families/carers and support organisations about how funds can be spent etc.
The need to significantly reduce turnaround times for requests for unscheduled reviews due to changes in circumstances as well as for approvals for home /vehicle modifications and major assistive technology items such as powered wheelchairs.

Download a copy of the full submission

Link to the Every Australian Counts webpage