COAG with wheelchair FINAL

A public consultation process is being set up to protect people with disability in the NDIS. Announced recently at a meeting of the COAG Disability Reform Council, it is intended to ensure that all NDIS registered providers offer services that are safe and effective and the provider has met rigorous quality standards.

The consultation paper outlines a range of options for registering providers handling complaints and screening of staff who work with people who may be vulnerable.

“The development of a new quality and safeguarding framework is an opportunity to streamline rules across all states and territories to make it easier for people with disability and service providers,” said Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield.

The minister said people with disability have the right to feel and be safe when using NDIS funded supports. “Some people with disability are more vulnerable to abuse, so we need a strong system to keep them safe.”

The Council wants all people with disability, their families, carers, service providers and advocacy groups to become involved in the consultations by making a submission on all or any of the issues, attend a public meeting or join the discussion group in the online forum. Feedback from the consultations will help shape the new framework. Consultations will close on April 30, 2015.

For more information visit: http://engage.dss.gov.au/