Policy and Advocacy Disability Update August

Consultation on future NDIS Supports 

OTA members will be aware that there has been recent media focus on what should and should not be funded under the NDIS.  The Federal Government has released draft guidance on proposed ‘NDIS Supports’ for public feedback.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.  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. Submissions are due by COB 18 August. Find out more here.

NDIS 2024 pricing advocacy  

OTA is supporting a cross-sector disability advocacy campaign led by AHPA and National Disability Services to urgently revisit the latest NDIS Pricing decision, which includes seeking an urgent meeting with the NDIS Minister Bill Shorten to highlight the expected market impacts. Read more about AHPA’s position here.

Thank you to members who completed our NDIS Provider pulse survey, to help us understand how the 2024 NDIA Pricing decision will impact your future NDIS service provision and provide valuable data for use in our advocacy. 

NDIS Worker and Provider Registration Taskforce Final report 

The NDIS Worker and Provider Registration Taskforce has issued its final report to government. The Taskforce was asked by Government to provide further advice on the NDIS Review recommendation to introduce a mandatory registration scheme for all NDIS providers. OTA provided a submission to the Taskforce, and sat on the Taskforce’s Provider Advisory Group, and used these opportunities to highlight the regulatory burden that the current scheme places on OTs, the regulatory duplication that exists across the NDIS and AHPRA schemes, and the risks of market exit if mandatory registration is introduced. Read more about the key outcomes from their review here.

NDIS Bill- Senate Inquiry 

OTA is continuing to monitor the passage of the NDIS Bill, which will be debated in the Senate this week. Recently the Senate Community Affairs Committee undertook a second inquiry into the Bill and published its report on 9 August, recommending the Bill be passed as soon as possible. Read more here.

State of the Disability Sector Survey 

National Disability Service (NDS) is the peak body for the disability sector. They conduct an annual State of the Disability Sector Survey and are seeking input from disability providers to get accurate picture to share of what's happening with the sector. 

The survey is conducted with the University of Sydney, and its insights are a key data point for government policy and decision makers. The research is not being conducted on behalf of the NDIA and no data will be released to any third party. The survey closes on Friday 6 September and can be accessed here.