VULNERABLE people with disabilities are suffering under the National Disability Insurance Scheme, disability advocate Amanda Fisher claims.
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A less-than-smooth roll out of the NDIS triggered a state government inquiry into the service, and Tamworth Disability Advocacy NSW workers fear further cuts to funding will leave people with disabilities in the lurch.
So far, the NSW government has only committed to put $26 million toward the program until 2020.
“Five years in I don’t think we’re anywhere close to perfection or some sort of positive or stable quality of the service,” Tamworth disability advocate Amanda Fisher said.
“People come in with the expectation they will have choice and control, but find at times it’s more about a financial transaction.
“Are their needs value for money? That’s what the NDIS will often attribute to declining a support.”
Widely touted as the solution to disability support inadequacies, the NDIS was designed to allow people with disabilities to pick and choose a plan that works for them – but service providers argue it’s not delivering.
Those who are rejected for NDIS funding can wait up to 12 months for an internal review process, in that time frame they will have to pay out-of-pocket for care.
Inquiry chair Greg Donnelly began public hearings on Monday.
“The committee will also consider issues concerning disability service providers including the adequacy of relevant regulations and oversight mechanisms, challenges facing these organisations and their sustainability and workforce issues impacting the delivery of services,” he said.
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In some cases, a specialist referral isn’t enough evidence to back up a person with a disability’s claim that they need a service.
The state government back-pedalled on proposed funding cuts earlier this year, after it argued disability advocacy would be provided through the NDIS.
“There’s a lot of misinformation, like when our politicians and disability ministers are stating NDIS will fund advocacy service – that’s just completely false,” Ms Fisher said.
“When they don’t fully understand the scheme and its impacts that really deserves an inquiry.
“The government isn’t going to pay for a service that’s going to be questioning or reviewing its own work – it’s a conflict of interest, it’s just not possible.”
Under proposed cuts Tamworth would lose a third of its staff and 30 to 40 people would go without advocacy.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
