QAI made a submission to the Department of Social Service’s consultation on the NDIS Supports Rules.
The transitional NDIS Support rules have reduced flexibility and choice and control for participants. They have made some people with disability fearful to purchase essential supports out of concern that their invoices won’t be paid. They suggest a breakdown in trust between the agency and participants. The rules have also forced some participants to spend more money on their supports and use supports and services which are less inclusive.
While we support the intention to create some consistency and see the value in some items being defined as NDIS supports, the rules must allow for nuance and for individuals to access supports that are tailored and appropriate to their unique needs. There cannot be a ‘one size fits all’ approach as disability is inherently diverse. Items which might be an appropriate disability support for one person might not be appropriate for another.
Most participants are doing the right thing and the agency’s processes must set people up to succeed, not fail. Without significant reform to these Rules, the scheme is at risk of drastically changing and taking away its founding principles of choice and control.
Read our submission here: