Bill Shorten warns the future of NDIS is at risk because of neglect and vandalism sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Labor's NDIS spokesperson Bill Shorten has warned the scheme is being 'betrayed' by neglect as the federal government faces backlash over proposed reforms to the system.
Independent assessments are not independent, he told a parliamentary inquiry on Friday. Robo-planning will blow up the NDIS. And it will also blow up the vision for this scheme to be there for all Australians.
Professor Bonyhady said the change would tear up the social contract at the heart of the NDIS, which is that individualised support is available for all Australians who have a disability.
He warned of anxiety and anger among people with disability. Trust between the community and the National Disability Insurance Agency, which runs the NDIS, has reached new lows. Which is extraordinary given that the NDIA exists for one purpose and one purpose only - to serve people with disability, their families and carers, Prof Bonyhady said.
The federal government says independent assessments will remove the need for people with disabilities to spend time and money on reports to prove their eligibility for funding.
There are concerns in government that wealthier people are getting a bigger share of the taxpayer funding that covers therapy, equipment and other costs of disability, while those in greater need are potentially missing out.
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However participants and disability groups fear the assessments wonât give a true picture of peopleâs needs, will be conducted by professionals with no expertise in their disability and are a stealthy way of cutting costs.
NDIS architect Bruce Bonyhady urges rethink of independent assessments
updated 4
Bruce Bonyhady was instrumental in the creation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
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An architect of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) wants the federal government to scrap its overhaul of eligibility testing for the program, saying the changes have spread fear and stress among Australians with disabilities.
Key points:
Under the changes, applicants to the scheme will be examined by private contractors
Professor Bonyhady fears assessors will not have the time or the tools to understand people s needs
The Minister for the NDIS, Stuart Robert, says the changes are consistent with the original design of the scheme