Policy and Advocacy Disability Update 26 November

Foundational Supports 

The Commonwealth government is leading work with all Australian governments to develop a Foundational Supports Strategy. This will guide the work of individual states and territories to establish local systems of foundational support for groups, including children and young people, people with psychosocial disability, and users of assistive technology.  

OTA is actively working to ensure that the disability system reforms, recognises, and supports the role of occupational therapists in all areas, whether they are funded via the NDIS, state and territory foundational support programs, or mainstream services.  

OTA is seeking input from members on a survey that is focussed on the work our members do with children and their families. Your input to this survey will help us develop consultation responses and support the on-going work we’ll be doing to develop position papers and resources that promote a clear vision for occupational therapy in our evolving disability system. This feedback will contribute to our submission on Targeted Supports for children with disability and developmental delay, and their families.  

Have your say now 

More information on our activities on Foundational supports are on the OTA website and you can complete the survey here. 

NDIA Member Forum 

OTA hosted a free members forum on 18 November, delivered by Chris Coombes from DSC. Over 600 members attended to hear what has changed since the new NDIS amendments took effect on 3 October.  You can access the recording and presentation slides by logging into your OTA account.  Go to the OTA website and log in through the “Member Login” tab at the top of the homepage. Once logged on go to > Dashboard > My Courses > Login. 

NDIA Eligibility Reassessments 

At our recent member forum OTA heard feedback from members about increased numbers of NDIA initiated eligibility reassessments, and the impact these are having on both participants, and OTs who ae supporting them. Issues include the 28-day timeframe to gather evidence, lack of specific direction in NDIA letters about what specific evidence is required, and how OTs can bill for these services especially for participants with limited or no NDIA funds.  OTA has written to NDIA to seek clarification on this process, to assist members to understand how to respond to participant requests for support during reassessments. 

NDIS Pricing Advice 

OTA made a submission to the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) to inform their advice to government on a future approach for NDIS pricing, OTA’s submission highlighted the key principles that should be adopted to ensure that Ots working under NDIS receive adequate and fair remuneration for the supports the provide. View OTA’s submission.

NDIS Bill No. 2 

OTA is drafting a submission in response to a consultation paper published by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, on proposed amendments to the NDIS Act to strengthen the Commission’s powers and the NDIS regulatory framework. Proposed changes include requiring NDIS provider key personnel to exercise due diligence in their role, and larger penalties for contravening registration requirements. OTA’s submission will call for a proportionate regulatory approach that is appropriate for small providers and sole traders, and informative guidance and adequate transition time to enable providers to understand any new obligations. Submissions are due by 20 December. Find out more at the NDIA Commission's new Reform Hub webpage.

We will continue to update our members on these issues.