“The NDIS needs fixing.” These opening words from NDIS Minister Bill Shorten in his address to the National Disability Summit, summed up what has been tumultuous few days for the scheme which he said has become a “bureaucratic nightmare”.
“As a minister, I want to hear what the bad scenario is and prepare for the worst case, not the best case. In my experience, the best case looks after itself, it’s the worst case that needs attention.”
When it comes to tackling some of the hard issues he has requested the National Disability Insurance Agency fast-track NDIS plans to reduce the hospital bed block where people with disability who are NDIS eligible, can wait hundreds of days in hospital.
The housing shortage is another with Shorten calling for planners who are empowered, to make decisions on the spot. And resolving the long waiting lists in courts for participants trying to reverse a package cut.
He also made it clear time is running out for NDIS “fraudsters” and wants government agencies, from tax, police to the NDIA, working together to identify the widespread illegal activities, with estimates of NDIS fraud said to be as high as $6 billion.
There will be a review of the NDIS to be carried out by the Productivity Commission, that will start in the next few weeks, and people with disability will be involved at every level.
The appointment of a new NDIA CEO is imminent and there is also a search for a new NDIA chair and new directors, with Shorten declaring there will be “more people with disability in leadership positions.”
In other news, Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth will host a Disability Employment Roundtable on August 22, with a focus on three topics: Discrimination and attitudinal barriers to employment; the roles of government, employers, businesses and the community in programs to prepare and support people with disability into employment and employers to hire them; and building employment skills, experience and confidence of young people with disability.
“Hiring someone with disability should not be seen as an optional or charitable act,” the minister said.