Member update - NDIS Supports consultation now open

OTA members will be aware that there has been recent media focus on what should and should not be funded under the NDIS. Recent speeches by the Minister to Parliament and the media have make references to certain types of supports that should be ‘banned’.

The disability sector now has some clarity on what Government is proposing to include and exclude from the NDIS, following the release by the Federal Government of draft guidance on proposed ‘NDIS Supports’ for public feedback. This guidance is intended to temporarily guide the NDIA on what NDIS funding can and cannot be spent on.

Proposed changes to the NDIS Act are currently before the Senate which will create a definition of an ‘NDIS Support’, which NDIA will need to have regard to when making participant funding decisions. This will be supported by a formal NDIS Rule (a legislative instrument made by the NDIS Minister in consultation with states and territories). Before this formal NDIS Rule can be made, government needs to make a transitional rule that will provide guidance for NDIS staff/delegates on what will be an accepted support. Importantly, it also includes a list of services and supports that are not NDIS Supports and thus will not be funded through NDIS.

The list of NDIS supports specifically includes therapeutic supports, specialist Assistive Technology, home modifications, driving and vehicle modifications, and a range of other services.

The list of unsupported services incudes general household costs like rent, general maintenance and appliances, groceries, alcohol, gambling, unsupported therapies, holiday travel costs, and sex work, among many others.

OTA will be preparing a submission that will advocate that the full scope of OT NDIS services, and related prescriptions and OT-recommended solutions, continue to be funded.

OTA will be undertaking a clinical review of the list led by OTA’s OT team, as well as consulting with key NDIS reference groups to inform our submission.

Submissions are due by COB 18 August. More information can be found here. 

We will keep OTA members advised of further developments in this area. 

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