Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

More than 200 people have contacted my office in the last year to talk to me about the challenges they face in their dealings with the NDIS. This month I held an NDIS solutions forum, where constituents came to brainstorm solutions in response to the NDIS review. At the forum we discussed solutions to many issues, but two stood out.

The biggest frustration for people dealing with the NDIS is the planning process. My constituents suggested local face-to-face planning and increased case management to reduce the stress of meetings, improve transparency in decision-making and ensure final plans meet participant needs. Attendees also suggested that new clients start with a standardised plan for some conditions. This would allow people to find a starting point for their planning and to focus on planning for individual differences rather than fighting for basics.

The second-biggest issue for constituents is the interaction between the NDIS and other mainstream systems. The NDIS cannot support all people with disability all the time. People with disability need to be able to access other supports through education, health, local government, public transport and community groups.

I look forward to providing Curtin's ideas for improvement to the minister's office and urge the government to work towards effective and comprehensive reform of the NDIS.