Landmark legislation to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) passed Parliament today, fulfilling the Albanese Government’s commitment to legislate important changes called for by the Independent Review of the NDIS and the disability community.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No.1) Bill 2024 will improve the experience of NDIS participants and deliver decisions that are fairer, transparent and more consistent.
Minister for the NDIS, Bill Shorten MP, welcomed the passage of the legislation and said it put participants back at the heart of the Scheme and represents a significant stride towards a stronger NDIS.
“We are implementing key recommendations of the independent NDIS Review, while making sure that participants’ choice and control remain enshrined at the core of the Scheme,” Minister Shorten said.
“This is a milestone for Australia and all the people with disability who do and will receive life-changing supports from the NDIS.”
“The legislation is the culmination of tens of thousands of hours of consultation with thousands of people with disability and the sector that supports and advocates for them.”
“I have personally met with thousands of people since Labor won Government.”
“With this legislation in place, we can get on with the important work of designing the finer, practical elements of NDIS reform with Australians with disability, including specific Rules and instruments and the new definition of NDIS supports.”
“This will be done through close engagement and co-design with people with disability, and the states and territories in recognition of National Cabinet’s acknowledgment of the need for reforms to secure the future of the NDIS, ensuring it can continue to provide life-changing support to future generations of Australians with a disability.”
“The Bill also paves the way for a fairer, more consistent, and more sustainable Scheme that delivers for the Australians with disability it was always intended to support.”
“I thank all the thousands of people from the disability community and beyond who took part in the NDIS Review consultations to shape this Bill and ensure we are taking well informed and person-centred steps forward with the Scheme.”
The Government made a number of amendments that strengthen this important legislation and are in response to disability community feedback and will continue to listen.
Public consultation is currently open on draft lists of what supports NDIS funding can and can’t be used for, to support a new definition of NDIS supports following passage of the Bill.
To have your say, or find out more about the draft lists, visit the DSS Engage website.
Consultation closes 5pm, 25 August 2024.
For more information on the Bill, visit NDIS reforms | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au).
For more information on the NDIS Review and its recommendations, visit Working together to deliver the NDIS | NDIS Review.