NDIS committee holds public hearings

THE Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (JSC NDIS) is now running its first public hearings, as part of its ongoing annual report inquiry.

In the first hearing, chaired by Corangamite federal member Libby Coker and which took place in Canberra on Wednesday this week, the committee heard from senior officials of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and other government agencies, peak disability representative organisations and people with disability.

Witnesses at the second hearing yesterday (Thursday, October 23) in Canberra included the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS QSC), peak disability representative organisations and disability legal advocacy organisations.

The committee’s role is to inquire into and report on the implementation, performance, governance, administration and expenditure of the NDIS.

In the 48th Parliament, the committee is now also empowered to examine the annual reports of NDIA and the NDIS QSC.

The committee’s annual report hearings, which are broadcast live on the Parliament’s website, are an opportunity for the committee to hear from both the disability community and the NDIA about recent changes to the NDIS and the future direction and outlook of the scheme.

“The NDIS changes lives for so many Australians with disability and their families,” Ms Coker said this week.”These hearings give participants, families and providers the chance to share their experiences directly with our committee.

“It’s through the ideas and evidence put to the committee that we can drive meaningful improvements and help ensure the scheme delivers on its promise to people with disability.”

Submitters to the inquiry so far include the Occupational Therapy Society for Hidden and Invisible Disability, Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association, the Disability Rights Legal Service, the Nobody Worse Off Coalition and Every Australian Counts.

In its submission, National Disability Services – Australia’s peak body for disability service organisations – noted the NDIS had transformed the lives of people with disability, but the scheme’s sustainability was now at risk.

“Quality providers are struggling to remain viable. These are providers that are registered the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS

Commission) and support participants with the most complex support needs. They invest in workforce development, governance, safeguarding, and participant outcomes.

“Without targeted intervention, there is a real risk that these providers will be replaced by lower-quality, unregistered providers, undermining the safety, choice, and wellbeing of participants.”

For more information on the committee, head to  aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/National_Disability_Insurance_Scheme/AnnualReport_1_48th