Disability Advocacy Network Australia’s policy and advocacy director, El Gibbs, has expressed concern over potential changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). She highlighted the need for more new services for those with disabilities, as many are currently going without necessary support or spending their own money on basic services. Gibbs emphasized the importance of involving people with disabilities in the development and implementation of any changes to ensure they are treated as equal citizens.
Gibbs criticized the unregulated providers and excessive profiteering within the NDIS, calling for stricter regulations and market controls on pricing. She emphasized the need for services outside of the NDIS to complement the scheme and provide additional support to individuals with disabilities. Gibbs stressed that the NDIS should serve as a lifeboat, not the sole source of support for those with disabilities, and called for a balance between regulating costs and ensuring the availability of necessary services.
State premiers have also expressed concerns about a federal bid to overhaul the NDIS, fearing that it could leave them with uncosted financial exposure. The national cabinet has agreed to contribute to the funding of new disability services, but there are ongoing discussions about the best way to implement these changes. Gibbs highlighted the urgency of addressing the current challenges faced by people with disabilities and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the government, service providers, and individuals with disabilities.
Gibbs emphasized the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are not marginalized or treated as second-class citizens in the implementation of any changes to the NDIS. She called for a focus on providing equitable access to essential services and support for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of their financial means or level of need. Gibbs stressed the need for a holistic approach to disability support that includes both the NDIS and additional services outside of the scheme to meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
The advocate also called for increased regulation of providers and market controls on pricing to prevent excessive profiteering within the NDIS. She highlighted the need for a balance between ensuring the sustainability of the scheme and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to necessary services and support. Gibbs emphasized the need for a transparent and accountable system that prioritizes the well-being and rights of people with disabilities above all else.
In conclusion, El Gibbs’ comments on potential changes to the NDIS underscore the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to essential services and support. She emphasized the need for a collaborative approach that prioritizes the voices and needs of people with disabilities in the development and implementation of any changes to the scheme. Gibbs called for greater regulation of providers and market controls on pricing to prevent excessive profiteering while maintaining the sustainability of the NDIS. Ultimately, her comments highlight the need for a balanced and inclusive approach to disability support that prioritizes the well-being and rights of people with disabilities above all else.
