By NOEL MURPHY
Critical shortcomings threaten the long-term prospects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), according to a government-commissioned review.
The KPMG review identified “constraints” in the ability of trial sites, including Geelong, to “represent the breadth of participants” and services covered by the scheme.
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) commissioned the review, which confirmed fundamental flaws in the scheme.
KPMG said stakeholders share a “commonality of vision” for NDIS outcomes.
“However, the detailed design required to achieve this vision has neither been agreed nor fully conceptualised by all stakeholders.”
The report warned of “significant risks” to the scheme developing “effectively and sustainably”.
Accountability and decision-making appeared to be “disconnected from those who understand the potential operational impacts”, KPMG said.
The Independent has reported complaints from clients about the NDIS trial cutting existing services and refusing to provide new assistance.
Clients also complained about excessive paperwork, meetings, referrals and follow-up procedures, describing them as stressful, time-consuming and exhausting.
Complaints to the NDIS’s Facebook page, which have since been removed, included inflexible guidelines and cuts to mobility allowances and early intervention services for children with disabilities and developmental delays.
A leading health economist accused the Geelong NDIS trial centre of deliberately cutting clients from services and funding, denying their rights and ignoring complaints.
Other recent complaints to the Independent have included:
* A woman with double limb amputations due to diabetes rejected on the basis she had medical disabilities;
* Concerns suppliers were pressured into making, supplying and fitting wheelchairs costed at 10 hours of work when many required 200-plus;
* Applications rejected for one-on-one disability support in cases of moderate to severe disability;
* Refusal to pay travel allowances to disability workers;
* Rejection of applications for help from parents with autistic children;
* Service providers pressured to redefine services, increasing their risk of cuts.
A community lecture will discuss the NDIS from 4pm to 5.30pm Tuesday in Geelong Clinical School Lecture Theatre, behind Kitchener House, at 285 Ryrie St, Geelong. Speakers will include NDIA chief executive officer David Bowen.
Organisers said anyone wanting to attend should email Chris.Loughnan@dhs.vic.gov.au, indicating whether they needed disabled parking.
