Concerns regarding client privacy and confidentiality, lengthy delays in appeal processes, lack of support and some even stressing that they have had to prove that they are disabled were just some of the issues a room full of people raised at a National Disability Insurance Scheme forum earlier this week.
Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh and Shadow Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill Shorten hosted the forum on Monday afternoon in an attempt to hear the thoughts of participants and providers who are dealing with the rollout of the scheme in the southeastern suburbs.
Mr Shorten said the Labor government had set up the NDIS but he was concerned that it had gone off track.
“This organisation to me is losing sight as to why it was created,” he said.
“I was there when this legislation was created and choice and control was very deliberate.
“You don’t need a planner, reviewer and a bureaucratic process to make a decision that you have made for the past 30 years.”
Mr Keogh described the current government’s implementation of the scheme as “rubbish” and that they were cutting corners and refusing cover, leaving many that need support out in the cold.
“We’re hearing so many examples of needless waiting, of increased fees, inconsistency and unfair treatment,” he said.
“Forums like this are also important for the NDIS participants to know they are not alone, others are having the same experiences and that people in their national parliament are listening and do care.”
