Committee launches inquiry into NDIS independent assessments
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has announced it will conduct an inquiry into independent assessments under the NDIS.
An independent assessment is an assessment of a person’s functional capacity, which will be used to inform decisions about eligibility for the NDIS and about funding in a participant’s plan.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) proposes to introduce independent assessments as part of the NDIS access and planning processes in 2021.
“Through its other inquiries, the committee has heard that many stakeholders—particularly in the disability and allied health sectors—have strong concerns about the independent assessments process, and about how assessments will be used to inform access and planning decisions,” says Committee Chair, the Hon Kevin Andrews.
The inquiry will have a particular focus on:
• the rationale for introducing independent assessments into the NDIS, and the evidence to support this decision;
• the assessment process and its impacts;
• the implications of independent assessments for NDIS access and planning decisions; and • the appropriateness of independent assessments for particular cohorts of people with disability.
The committee is particularly interested in hearing from people with disability, families and carers, allied health professionals, and representative organisations.
Submissions outlining details of individual cases or complaints can help the committee identify broader systemic issues for investigation. More information about submissions can be found here.
Full terms of reference for the inquiry are published on the committee’s website.
The closing date for submissions to the inquiry is 31 March 2021.