The ACT Government has expressed its concern at changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that sees the introduction of independent assessments to decide which people with disability can take part in the program.
Minister for Disability, Emma Davidson said the independent assessments trial threatened choice, control and continuity, and it was “sneaky” of the Federal Government to announce a pause between the end of the trial and its complete rollout.
“Let’s be clear; independent assessments are not being paused, the trial is continuing,” Ms Davidson said.
“This ‘pause’ reveals the Federal Government’s original intention was to roll straight from the pilot into permanent use of independent assessments,” she said.
“A pause at the end of a trial is the minimum one would expect, but genuine consultation with the community about the future of the NDIS cannot take place while the pilot continues.”
Ms Davidson said she had spoken in favour of ending the trial during a meeting of all State and Territory Ministers.
“Not calling for a pause to the permanent rollout, but ending the Independent Assessments pilot completely,” she said.
“Genuine community consultation on the future of the NDIS is not possible while the independent assessments pilot continues.”
She said the ACT would continue to strongly support the community’s position that people with disability had a right to choice, control and continuity, and would push to remain true to the original intent of the NDIS.
