Government promises NDIS overhaul to speed up wait times

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Stuart Robert is set to announce an overhaul of the NDIS, saying it is not living up to its 'high expectations'.

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, October 17, 2019.

Minister for Government Services Stuart Robert at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Thursday, October 17, 2019. Source: AAP

The government will begin an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in a bid to get people quicker access and better quality decision-making.

NDIS Minister Stuart Robert will announce six core aims as part of an overhaul of the scheme, at the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday.

After hearing from people with disabilities and their families, he says the scheme is not always living up to high expectations.

The government will also focus on increased engagement and collaboration, market innovation and making it the scheme financially sustainable.

It would also look to make consistent decisions and improve long term outcomes for users.

Mr Robert will tell the press club on Thursday the new core focuses or "swim lanes" will be part of the last stage of the NDIS rollout.

The final portion of the rollout is due to be completed by mid-2020.

"In all of my discussions, what is clear is that the NDIS is already having a profound impact on the lives of people with disability," Mr Robert will say.

A parliamentary inquiry into the scheme has heard of massive delays getting onto the scheme, caseworkers unfamiliar with disabilities and service providers being left to foot the bill for their clients.

Mr Robert's speech follows government budget data in September revealing a $4.6 billion underspend on the NDIS.

At the time, the government pinned this on a slower-than-expected uptake of the scheme.

Since then, it has appointed a new chief executive for the scheme's steering body - the National Disability Insurance Agency - as well as 800 new staff.


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Published 14 November 2019 4:22am
Updated 14 November 2019 6:54am



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