NDIS Legislative Changes

As reported a couple of weeks ago, the Department of Social Services was undertaking a consultation on the proposed new NDIS legislation and rule changes. While SOSDF and the community was disappointed by the inadequate consultation timeframe and process, (the draft NDIS bill goes to parliament on 25 October 2021) community members have largely been in support of the proposed changes.In particular, the introduction of the Participant Service Guarantee should ensure some real improvements in the service standards of the NDIS meaning fewer delays and less bureaucracy for our community. The role of the Commonwealth Ombudsman has also been widened to ensure that the NDIA meets the new service standards which promote greater, transparency, empowerment and control for NDIS participants.The new flexibility measures in Schedule 2 of the legislation mean there will be more opportunities to vary plans as the need arises and more opportunities for the NDIS community to be involved in the co-design of any future reforms of the Scheme.A full copy of the SOSDF submission to the Department of Social Services can be found at: