2021-04-23
ACT Minister for Disability Emma Davidson is standing by her call to abandon the pilot of independent assessments in the NDIS, saying it’s sneaky of the Federal Government to say they will “pause” the rollout at the end of the trial.
“Let’s be clear. Independent assessments are not being paused. The trial is continuing. This ‘pause’ reveals the Federal Government’s original intention was to roll straight from the pilot into permanent use of independent assessments,” Minister Davidson said.
“A pause at the end of a trial is the minimum one would expect, but genuine consultation with the community about the future of the NDIS cannot take place while the pilot continues.
“Disappointingly, Minister Reynolds pre-empted the meeting of all State and Territory Ministers, telling media that the trial of independent assessments would continue to completion.
“I spoke clearly and firmly in favour of ending the trials during the meeting. Not calling for a pause to the permanent rollout, but ending the Independent Assessments pilot completely. Genuine community consultation on the future of the NDIS is not possible while the independent assessments pilot continues.
“This is what Canberrans with disability have told me, and the sector that represents them. It is consistent with the ACT’s ongoing support for the human rights of people with disability.
“The ACT Government will continue to strongly support the community’s position that people with disability have a right to choice, control and continuity, and push to remain true to the original intent of the NDIS.”
The communique from the Disability Reform Ministers’ Meeting on 15 April is available at: https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers-programs-services-government-international-disability-reform-council-disability-reform-council-membership/communique-15-april-2021