Inaugural NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner appointed
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission’s top job has been filled after the inaugural commissioner was appointed last week.
Current New South Wales (NSW) Public Service Commissioner Graeme Head will assume responsibilities in the new role following the completion of his two year term.
Social Services Minister Christian Porter is confident Mr Head will lead the Commission through a critical phase of its establishment.
“We congratulate Mr Head on his appointment and I am very pleased that NDIS participants will now benefit from having a new independent Commissioner to oversee strengthened, nationally consistent and integrated quality and safeguards,” he says.
“This is a very important time for the Commission, which will play a key role in ensuring the success of the NDIS.”
“This new national regulator will focus on capacity building and development for both participants and providers, as well as hold compliance and enforcement powers.”
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission was announced in the 2017-18 Budget with an initial allocation of $209 million over four years.
Mr Head brings significant skills and experience to the Commission, holding several senior public sector leadership roles at both state and federal levels.
“As a notable and respected leader, Mr Head has what it takes to quickly gain the confidence of the Australian, State and Territory governments as well as the disability sector,” Minister Porter says.
The Commission will begin operations in NSW and South Australia in July 2018, remaining states in July 2019 and Western Australia from July 2020.
Until their powers come into effect in each jurisdiction, people with a disability receiving NDIS supports and services will continue to be protected by the existing State and Territory quality and safeguards systems.