The decision to shift senior NDIS management out of the Territory raises serious concerns about the Governments ability to deliver the locally-adapted services Territorians with disability need.

In the latest quarter, over half of all NDIS participants were using less than 50 per cent of their plan. This means people are missing out on the support they need.

In many cases across the Territory, this is because a genuinely local approach to making sure the right services are available is not in place.

Local issues need local solutions.

A cookie-cutter approach simply will not work in the Territory.

Local advocates are clear about the need to have local knowledge and on-the-ground expertise as the scheme rolls out in the NT.

The NDIS exists to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Local staff must have the authority to make decisions and fix issues.

The Territory is unique and home to some of Australias most remote and disadvantaged communities this means a flexible, local, culturally appropriate approach to the NDIS is essential.

More needs to be done to ensure the right services are in place in all parts of Australia. We cant rely on new providers magically turning up in remote communities without any support.

The Turnbull Government also needs to lift the staffing cap for the NDIA to address the lengthy delays, poor quality plans and frustrations people with disability are currently facing.


WEDNESDAY 18 JULY 2018