Federal-State cooperation continues NDIS build with improvements in transport, mental health and justice

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Disability Reform Council (DRC) met today for its second meeting for 2019 in Sydney, New South Wales.

Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, said DRC maintained momentum in resolving long-standing issues regarding the interface between the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and mainstream service systems, including:

• Transport supports under the NDIS: improve the provision of transport supports under the NDIS, including a commitment from the Commonwealth to reimburse states and territories for their taxi subsidy schemes for NDIS participants from 1 January 2020 until 31 October 2021;
• Psychosocial disability and mental health: agreed to an approach to improve the access and experience for participants with psychosocial disability in the NDIS and to address interface issues between the NDIS and mainstream mental health systems; and
• New Justice Liaison Officers: introduce Justice Liaison Officers (JLOs) to work in each state and territory justice system.

Mr Robert said as the NDIS moves from the transition phase to full maturity, the Council acknowledged the need for setting the NDIS up for long term success.

‘There are now over 300,000 people with disability who have joined the NDIS and DRC acknowledged the work being undertaken by the NDIA to improve operational performance of the Scheme,’ he said.

‘This includes the establishment of supported pathways for participants with complex needs; improving participant access and eligibility through the Community Connectors Program; and the establishment of a framework to provide clarity for NDIS providers and participants on the provision of respite.’

For further information on the COAG DRC and the communique from today’s meeting, visit: www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/programmes-services/government-international/disability-reform-council