The Department of Social Services is seeking community views on the establishment of a forum of governments and First Nations people with disability to work together on improving services and supports.
The forum was recommended by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability. The NDIS Review then supported and expanded on the Royal Commission’s recommendation, and recommended that the Forum adhere to the strong partnership elements in clause 32 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The NDIS Review also recommended the Forum work with governments on the development of a national strategy to improve disability supports for First Nations people with disability.
The Department is now undertaking an engagement process on the forum and wants to hear back from the community about the following:
- What should be the role of the Forum?
- What should be the membership of the Forum?
- How should members be selected?
- How can the Forum best represent people in each state and territory?
- What should be the governance of the Forum?
- What could be funded?
- What should be the relationship between the Forum and other existing and future mechanisms for shared decision-making?
- How should the Forum be implemented and reviewed?
- Do you have any other views on the establishment of a Forum?
The consultation period closes on February 25, 2025. For more information and to provide your responses, go to: www.engage.dss.gov.au