The Federal Government is proposing a new registration system for the NDIS which it says will better regulate providers.
The government will now require all platform providers, support coordinators and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers to be registered.
It follows advice given to the government on the design and implementation of a new regulatory model by the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce. The Taskforce made 11 recommendations and 10 implementation actions covering provider and worker registration, some of which required an immediate response and others that will be designed with close consultation with the disability community. The Taskforce also conducted thorough consultation.
The government has labelled the registration requirement an “immediate response”.
Minister says consultation ‘crucial’
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said registration for these providers and coordinators was recommended by the Taskforce to strengthen safeguards for NDIS participants.
“Through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and under the current registration model, I am progressing registration of platform providers (that is, providers that connect participants with workers to deliver NDIS supports), support coordinators, and providers of Supported Independent Living (SIL).
“The Commission will progress rule changes to mandate registration for Support Coordination, Platform Providers and SIL. Consultation on these changes will commence in October. The new rules will allow for a period of transition to the new mandatory registration arrangements.
“The Albanese Government will also shortly commence consultation with the disability community on some of the design elements of a new regulatory model. This includes the registration approach and NDIS Practice Standards for SIL providers,” he added.
And the Minister said consultation with the disability community would be crucial to the implementation, and initial consultations will follow the Taskforce’s recommendation to focus on participants who self-direct their supports.
Initial consultation with the disability community, NDIS providers and states and territories will also focus on the definition of ‘NDIS Provider’ as proposed by the Taskforce.
PWDA says centre co-design, choice and control
People With Disability Australia (PWDA) said it is concerned the government’s proposal will impact the choice and control and availability of supports to people with disability in a system that is already in crisis.
It said genuine co-design is needed to make sure changes to the registration system are done right.
“We can’t compromise people with disability’s access to reasonable and necessary supports or choice and control over their providers. Co-design is the only way we will get this right. The government has only committed to consultation which far too often is a one-sided conversation. This could result in unintended consequences that have very real impacts on our day-to-day lives,” PWDA president Marayke Jonkers said.
The Taskforce’s advice is available on the Department of Social Services website .