Disability Reform Ministers' Meeting

Last published on 09 Jul 2021 

From the inception of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), NSW has led the way, both in the world-leading rollout and advocating for changes to make it better.

We are committed to a sustainable NDIS that delivers choice and control for people with disability and enables them to access the services and supports they need.

There was no agreement today to any legislative changes. I welcome Federal Minister for the NDIS Linda Reynolds’ firm commitment at today’s National Disability Ministers’ Meeting to consult on any proposed legislative amendments required to give effect to the Commonwealth’s proposed NDIS reforms.

Releasing the draft bill and rules for public consultation will honour this commitment and will allow all stakeholders to consider and provide comment on the reforms.

I also welcome that independent assessments will not proceed. Ministers agreed to the co-design of a new person centred model that delivers consistency and equity in access and plan outcomes consistent with assessment requirements under the Act.

NSW has continually sought transparency around the Scheme’s financial and actuarial data. Today it was agreed that there be a process for a full and free flow of all information about the financial projections concerning the Scheme to help inform sensible and strategic decision making.

NSW remains committed to the NDIS and will continue to work constructively with the Commonwealth, States and Territories to preserve the integrity of the Scheme while improving its consistency and sustainability so that the NDIS can work better for the hundreds-of-thousands of people who rely on it.

The voices of people with disability, their families and carers are very important to be heard with respect to the NDIS.

They will continue to inform the NSW Government’s advocacy to our Commonwealth, State and Territory counterparts as we work to improve this important social reform.

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