Yesterday, the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme the Honourable Bill Shorten MP, addressed the National Press Club of Australia to share the NDIS Review Panel's Final Report and provide an outline of proposed recommendations.
These recommendations propose significant changes that may be rolled out over the next 5 years. National Office staff were also invited to attend a special NDIS Review Panel briefing session yesterday to gain further insight on the proposed changes to the scheme.
"We know that the proposed changes are significant and will change several aspects of the way that the scheme and providers work. And, importantly how the profession will interact with the NDIS. We will ensure that we provide timely advice to the profession regarding any relevant changes and initiatives," said Speech Pathology Australia CEO, Jodie Long.
The Association has analysed the Final Report including the 26 recommendations and 139 action items to assess the potential impacts on the profession. The forecast changes to the NDIS ecosystem are centred around developing foundational supports outside of the NDIS, an independent pricing mechanism, changes to the NDIS workforce and a focus on streamlined interactions with the scheme.
The Association will continue to seek clarity and opportunities to work with the Government on how the workforce will be developed to enable the model and initiatives outlined in the report.
The Association contributed to the review process in multiple ways, responding to all four issues papers put out by the review panel between November 2022 and August 2023 and attending stakeholder forums. Speech Pathology Australia wrote separate submissions on the primary issues within the NDIS for speech pathologists; pricing and payments; the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework and the What We Have Heard Report.
"We will continue to be part of the consultation process and advocate for the profession to make positive contributions to the development of the new NDIS. We look forward to the response from the Government on the implementation plan to come in 2024," said Jodie.
Taking a closer look at the final report
Association staff have analysed the final report and developed FAQs on the key issues that may impact the profession.