The Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) called for submissions regarding a review of the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework as developed and implemented by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. The National Mental Health Consumer & Carer Forum (NMHCCF) submitted a response to the call for submissions by the 29th of May, 2023.
Reason for submission
As part of the overall Independent Review of the NDIS, the Review Panel believes it is both timely and essential to review the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework to identify what in the Framework works and what does not work for participants and their family, carers, and kin. The original Framework was released in 2016, and since then the participant population has grown, as well as the market of providers. The Independent Review of the NDIS has stated that the new Framework "needs to be fit for purpose for a more mature NDIS, and should evolve to reflect changes in the scheme, its participants, and the market".
The NMHCCF, as the Disability Representative Organisation (DRO) for psychosocial disability, believes it important to provide responses to this review from people with a lived experience of psychosocial disability and their carers, family, and kin, as too often psychosocial disability is overlooked in the policy documentation of the NDIS and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Being the peak voice for mental health consumers and carers in Australia, the DRO for psychosocial disability in Australia, and with all members representing lived experience of mental health challenges and service engagement throughout the country, the NMHCCF speaks as an authority on psychosocial disability across the Australian landscape.
This submission provides themes as to what works and what does not work in the current Framework, before making recommendations to be included in the new Framework. The NMHCCF welcomes the opportunity to provide input into this review, and works closely with the Independent Review Panel of the NDIS to advocate for strengthening of supports and safeguards for people with a psychosocial disability and their family, carers, and kin.
Read the full submission & recommendations:
Submission: NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework
