New Leisure Networks CEO responds to NDIS Review

THE newly appointed chief executive of Geelong’s leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider has spoken out following the federal government’s release of its Independent NDIS Review.

Leisure Networks’ David Meade said he is proud of the organisation for playing its part in informing the government’s historic inquiry released in early December.

The review culminated in a 338-page document, which includes 26 recommendations and 139 supporting actions.

The review took more than a year to complete and included direct testimony from over 10,000 Australians from every state and territory in Australia.

The report maps out the review’s recommendations aiming to help restore trust, ensure the scheme’s sustainability, and deliver a better NDIS experience for participants.

“While I only recently joined the organisation, I am proud that Leisure Networks has played our part in informing the review’s recommendations,” Mr Meade, who started the role of chief executive at Leisure Networks in December, said.

“It was quite something to have the review land on my desk week one of a new job, but I’ve got a great team around me, and we have spent considerable time together going through the review and the recommendations it puts forth.

“Overall, we’re excited by what we have read and heard through briefings and conversations with the agency. “There is no doubt we will need to pivot and adapt, to some extent, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Mr Meade and Leisure Networks said they are happy with the recommendations around independent living.

The recommendations made by the independent body responsible for the review provide options to fund housing and living by giving participants genuine choice and control over their living arrangements.

“We already support this model of independent living where each supported home is uniquely co-designed with each participant and their support network,” Mr Meade said.

“The review also calls for opportunities for participants to try new living arrangements at key life stages.

“This was great to hear, because this is exactly the purpose of our ‘Empower, Inspire, Thrive’ programs where participants learn and then get to practice their independent living skills in a safe supported space.

“It starts with the basics of being safe at home, things like getting home from programs or school on your own, letting yourself in and making something to eat.

“Then participants build up to short stays away where they get a real taste of living on their own.”

Mr Meade’s response to the review concluded on quality and safeguarding within the disability sector, a major theme of the review.

Leisure Networks stated it has always delivered with integrity and within the defined frameworks.

“We have been early adopters of impact measuring, through annual surveys with customers and employees – tools that contribute to our continuous improvement and continuous adaption,” Mr Meade said.

The full NDIS Review and its recommendations can be viewed HERE