As the federal election nears, disability advocates are calling for the National Disability Insurance Scheme to come under focus, ensuring people with disability have access to a robust market of services valuing their right to self-determination.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Disability advocate Jane Wardlaw said the NDIS had not been implemented as it was designed - as a three-tiered system providing block funding for mainstream and speciality services.
"The only way people with disability can access services is by applying for an individualised funding plan, when some could be accessing mainstream services appropriately funded," she said.
"The NDIS is becoming an administrative burden and the market of providers is becoming tight, which impacts on accessing services and support because there is no service to purchase from."
Ms Wardlaw heard anecdotally of NDIS participants having their plans subjected to dramatic cost cutting and cost saving measures.
"This is really concerning for participants because we have to continually fight for funds to engage the services we need every day to get out of bed so we can work."
"I have also heard of 'shark' providers, charging outrageous rates for assistive technology products such as hoists, wheelchairs, adaptive communication equipment as well as home modification quotes because it's 'disability'."
Ms Wardlaw's concerns were echoed by Nexus Inc chief executive Mark Jessop, who said funding cuts put the lives of people with a disability at risk.
"It is ironic that when the Australian of the Year is a person who has done great things through his own efforts and the support of people around him, the government has been pressuring the NDIS into offering less support so fewer people with a disability can achieve their own greatness," he said.
"At least 10 providers in Tasmania have experienced cuts to night-time supports, where medically at-risk clients have had their 'wake' shift reduced to a 'sleepover'."
READ MORE: Tasmania records 43rd COVID death
Support workers stay awake during a wake shift, regularly monitoring their client. They can sleep during a sleepover shift, responding to emergencies.
"These are clients who are at risk of being disorientated, falling, having epileptic seizures or choking, as well as clients who are incontinent and need changing during the night," Mr Jessop said.
"I am sure that government ministers would not want their relatives being left in a soiled bed all night."
Mr Jessop said an investment in the NDIS was an investment in Tasmanian jobs, with research by National Disability Services indicating every dollar spent on the NDIS delivered $2.25 into the Australian economy.
In the 2022 budget, the Commonwealth committed $157.8 billion over four years to the NDIS to improve access to support and build a strong and sustainable workforce.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
