The Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC) has released its final Report on the Inquiry into the National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) market in Queensland, together with the Government’s response.
Minister for Disability Services, Craig Crawford said the QPC’s recommendations aimed to improve the NDIS operations for more than 92,000 participants and more than 6,000 disability service providers across Queensland.
“The final Report will help us ensure that Queenslanders are getting value for money out of the significant investment we make in the NDIS every year,” Mr Crawford said.
“Our investment aims to support an accessible and high-performing NDIS that delivers for Queenslanders with disability and supports jobs, skills and workforce participation across the State,” he said.
Mr Crawford said in addition to helping individuals to get the support they needed, the NDIS was contributing to jobs growth across Queensland.
“The QPC Report includes evidence and recommendations for reform to support development of a high-performing NDIS market in Queensland, which will meet the needs and preferences of NDIS participants now and into the future,” he said.
The Minister said the 56 recommendations made in the final Report focused on opportunities for the Government to enhance its national advocacy and Statewide implementation efforts.
“The QPC Report recognises that the disability sector has experienced considerable change through the transition to the NDIS and makes targeted recommendations towards achieving incremental, achievable reform,” he said.
Mr Crawford said the Government’s response to the QPC inquiry set out a framework for achieving a high-performing scheme in Queensland in collaboration with NDIS governing partners.
He said priority areas included: An Equitable Scheme, with targeted outreach, access and planning processes that recognised diversity; Employment Outcomes — shifting the dial to improve employment outcomes for people with disability, and Future Workforce — a high-quality NDIS workforce that is resourced and skilled to deliver real change for participants.
Mr Crawford said also targeted as priorities were: Thin Markets — targeted and timely interventions to ensure people with disability could access the supports they needed and Policy and Regulatory Environment — proportionate and balanced regulation that built provider confidence and encouraged market growth.
More information on the Government’s response to the Report can be accessed at this PS News link and the full QPC Inquiry Report can be accessed at this link.
