The Joint Standing Committee has raised concerns with the operation and implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, particularly in relation to the planning process. In an interim report the committee noted that it “was troubling that many of the issues are not new and have been raised in previous inquiries.”

Given the significance of the planning process, it is crucial that planning is effective, robust, and meets the needs of all NDIS participants, the committee said.

In light of these matters, the committee considered that urgent action be taken to improve the operation of the NDIS, and in particular the planning process, to maximise choice and control for people with disability and ensure that NDIS participants are fully supported to achieve their goals.

Evidence presented to the committee throughout the inquiry indicated that more time is required to fully consider issues associated with the planning process. Further time is also required to consider the impact of recent government initiatives to improve the NDIS, several of which are in their trial stages.

The report contains 14 recommendations intended to improve the operation of the planning process and the NDIS more generally. Many of these are proposed as a means of addressing issues with the planning process in the immediate term, while initiatives to improve the planning process are implemented.

The recommendations are that:

  • Costed, detailed draft plans be made available to participants at least one week prior to their meeting with the official with authority to approve the plan, and at the meeting the participant has the opportunity to rectify the plan
  • That the National Disability Insurance Agency ensure that participants are given the opportunity to meet face-to-face with an official with authority to approve a plan before the plan is approved
  • That the NDIS Act 2013 be amended to:
  • *Enable participants to review only part of a plan, or vary a plan, in appropriate circumstances
  • *That the NDIA complete an unscheduled plan review within 45 days of receiving a request from the participant
  • *That the NDIA publish settlement outcomes relating to an external review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, in de-identified form
  • *Where a term refer to a person, organisation or other body, that the NDIA clearly define that entity’s role, functions, responsibilities, limitations and accountability 
  • *That the NDIA ensure that additional training and skills development is provided to all persons involved in the planning process, particularly NDIA officers and LACs.
  • *That the NDIA standardise the terminology it uses to refer to persons, processes and other matters associated with the NDIS
  • *That the NDIA complete internal reviews of decisions within 45 days of receiving a request to conduct a review
  • *Enable participants to review only part of a plan, or vary a plan, in appropriate circumstances.
  • Where a new plan has been approved at the plan review date that the NDIA continue to provide funding under the existing plan until the new plan is approved; and ensure that a plan review is carried out within 45 days of the review date set out in the existing plan
  • Where a plan is not approved within 45 days of receipt by the NDIA, that the NDIA immediately approve a typical supports package as an interim measure, and the NDIA replace the TSP with an individual plan no later than 45 days after the TSP is approved
  • All participants with complex support needs be immediately streamed to an NDIA delegate to develop their plan and appropriate funding package
  • The NDIA develop and implement a mechanism to prioritise access decisions, plan meetings and plan approvals for children with complex needs and/or an acquired disability
  • The NDIA immediately implement a mechanism to allow participants to pay for transport out of core funding.

The committee also highlighted other areas it will consider more closely in the coming months.

These include:

  • Barriers to accessing the NDIS—in particular, the complexity of the Access Request Form and difficulties obtaining evidence to support an application
  • Processes for triaging children, people with acquired disability and people with life-limiting conditions
  • Planning support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
  • Support for people accessing the NDIS through advocacy organisations
  • Supported decision-making for people with cognitive disability
  • Support for pre-planning and plan implementation
  • Participants and providers in rural and regional areas—including participant access to supports in thin markets
  • Assistance, guidance and support for self-managed participants
  • Support for NDIS providers
  • Planning and access for people with psychosocial disability
  • Workforce matters, including staff, resourcing and training
  • Contractual arrangements between the NDIA and Local Area Coordinators.

The committee will present a final report to Parliament in 2020.

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