In the world of politics, nothing is straightforward or moves quickly.
Our previous post Revamping-the-NDIS-what-s-the-deal-with-the-new-bill we explored what the new bill was proposing. In the latest news the senate rejected the NDIS bill in its current form.
To make it law, it will need to go through some changes.
The votes came down to 57 ayes and 82 noes. Here's how they voted.
Party | No | Yes |
Australian Labor Party | 73 | |
Australian Greens | 5 |
|
Independents | 5 | |
Liberal Party of Australia | 24 | |
Liberal Nationals Of QLD | 21 | |
The Nationals | 7 | |
Independents | 5 | |
TALLY | 82 | 57 |
What are some of the proposed amendments?
Number One
Share the financial models that support the NDIS Financial Stability Framework and show the cost savings from this new law.
Give a clear explanation of the cuts that participants will face due to these changes.
Number Two
From Schedule 1, item 14, page 6 (lines 5 to 7):
Remove subparagraph 10(a)(i) and replace it with:
(I) is needed to help the person live and be a part of the community, and to stop them from being isolated or separated from others. This includes support necessary to overcome cultural or language barriers; or
[support for people from different cultural and language backgrounds, etc.]
Number Three
Review Process:
The Minister must arrange an independent review of the changes made by this Act within 5 years after it becomes law.
The reviewers must consult with the public and submit a written report to the Minister in time for it to be presented to Parliament within 9 months after the 5-year period ends.
Requirements for Support:
Any requirements specified must be necessary for achieving the goals of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and must not be overly burdensome for the participant, considering financial costs, practical effects, and emotional or psychological distress.
Consultation in Decision Making:
When making decisions, the Minister must consult with Disability Representative Organisations, consider relevant principles, and ensure the financial sustainability of the NDIS.
Any decisions made must be accompanied by a consultation statement outlining the views of the consulted organisations. If this process is not followed, the decision is invalid.
Assessment of Support Needs:
Participant assessments must be holistic and prepared with the participant’s involvement.
Replacement Assessments:
If a participant disagrees with an assessment, they can request another one. The CEO must be satisfied that a replacement assessment is needed.
Consultation in Making Determinations:
The Minister must consult with Disability Representative Organisations before making certain determinations. These determinations are invalid if this consultation process is not followed.
Minor Plan Variations:
Minor changes that increase funding for certain supports in the plan can be made without needing a full reassessment.
Everyone has a chance to have their view taken into consideration, if you or your customers would like to comment, please click the link below.
If you would like to read more about what happened in Parliament – please follow the link below.
Every action taken by the government in response to the “Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1” Bill of 2024 prompts requests for more explanation or additional information. Since there is seemingly no consensus on what constitutes a "good policy," there will be ongoing debates and attempts to pass the bill.
Hopefully, this is resolved before the election proposed for mid-2025, as a change in government could introduce new ideas and hold up the process further.
We wish you well, as always
The Lama Care Team
Comments