Independent Assessments rollout to be paused

New NDIS Minister Linda Reynolds has announced she will pause plans for rollout of mandatory independent assessments for NDIS participants.

In an article in The Australian newspaper from journalist Stephen Lunn, Social Affairs Editor today 15 April, the Minister has said she will “not be making any decisions in terms of legislation to enact independent assessments until the trial is finished and we’ve had a good opportunity to examine the feedback.”

“Senator Reynolds said the ­assessments…were still being considered but would have to wait until the end of trials and after nationwide consultations.”

QDN wrote an open letter this week to Minister Reynolds with regards to feedback from members and to ask the Government to suspend implementation of the proposed reforms and undertaken meaningful consultation, engagement and co-design with people with disability, families and providers to ensure future reforms do deliver improved outcomes for people and stay true to the principles of the scheme.

State, Territory and Commonwealth Disability Ministers are meeting today. QDN will update members as more information becomes available.

You can check out QDN’s letter to Minister Reynolds here

QDN CEO was on ABC Brisbane Radio this week also talking about the issue of NDIS reforms. You can check out the interview here.