Libby Coker (Corangamite, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme, I present a committee report, incorporating additional comments, entitled NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

by leave—I'm proud to table this report on behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This report, NDIS participant experience in rural, regional and remote Australia, explores how the scheme is working for people with disability in these communities. Listening to people with disability, learning from them and acting on their experiences to enhance the scheme is what our committee is all about, and that commitment is reflected in this report.

During our inquiry, we received over 100 submissions and held five hearings across the country, from Western Australia to Tasmania, from the Northern Territory to Victoria. We heard from participants, families, advocates, providers and government services. The committee thanks every person and organisation who contributed to this important work.

While the NDIS is available to people wherever they live, accessibility can be challenging. In response, the report makes 10 recommendations to improve the experience of NDIS participants and applicants. We recommend options be explored to simplify the NDIS application process and to develop accessible, plain-language guidance materials tailored for rural, regional and remote communities. We call for enhanced training and cultural awareness programs for NDIA staff and providers to ensure people are treated with understanding and respect. We also recommend that the NDIA collaborate with the medical profession, providers and local stakeholders to improve access to health and disability services and to explore practical solutions to better support local workforces in regional and remote communities. Recognising that travel costs can be a major barrier for people in remote areas, the committee also recommends greater flexibility in funding and support for travel under the NDIS to these communities. The report also calls for continued investment in training and for greater use of First Nations community controlled organisations as preferred providers in delivering NDIS supports.

The NDIA continues to change lives for the better, but this report shows there is still work to do to make sure it delivers fairly and consistently for every Australian, no matter where they live. I know the government recognises this, and the NDIS ministers are acting. On behalf of the committee, I again thank everyone who contributed to this inquiry—participants, families, advocates, providers and community organisations. Your experience, your insights and your honesty have helped shape this report and its recommendations. I also thank committee members from the last parliament who contributed to this report. The committee commends the report to the House in the hope it will support the government's ongoing improvements to the NDIS so that it truly works for every Australian, wherever they call home.