List of Recommendations

Recommendation 1

3.65

The committee recommends that fully costed, detailed draft plans be made available to participants at least one week prior to their meeting with the official with the authority to approve the plan, and that at the meeting the participant have the opportunity to rectify the plan.

Recommendation 2

3.66

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency ensure that participants are given the opportunity to meet face-to-face with an official with authority to approve a plan before the plan is approved.

Recommendation 3

3.91

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 be amended to enable participants to review only part of a plan, or to vary a plan, in appropriate circumstances.

Recommendation 4

3.94

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 be amended to require the National Disability Insurance Agency to complete an unscheduled plan review within 45 days of receiving a request from the participant.

Recommendation 5

3.95

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 be amended to require the National Disability Insurance Agency to complete internal reviews of decisions within 45 days of receiving a request to conduct the internal review.

Recommendation 6

3.97

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency publish settlement outcomes relating to external review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, in de-identified form.

Recommendation 7

3.106

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency standardise the terminology it uses to refer to persons, processes and other matters associated with the NDIS.

Recommendation 8

3.107

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) clearly define key terms associated with the NDIS, and with the planning process in particular. Where a term refers to a person, organisation or other body, the committee recommends that the NDIA clearly define that entity's role, functions, responsibilities, limitations and accountability.

Recommendation 9

3.118

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) ensure that additional training and skills development is provided to all persons involved in the planning process (particularly NDIA officers and LACs), to ensure that all such persons:

are familiar with a range of disabilities experienced by participants, and develop specialisation in particular disability areas;

are familiar with allied health expertise;

understand the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, and participants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, to ensure that they are able to deliver culturally appropriate services; and

receive training in domestic violence awareness.

Recommendation 10

3.131

The committee recommends—in circumstances where a new plan has not been approved at the plan review date—that:

the National Disability Insurance Agency continue to provide funding under the existing plan until the new plan is approved; and

ensure that a plan review is carried out within 45 days of the review date set out in the existing plan.

Recommendation 11

3.138

The committee recommends, where a plan is not approved within 45 days of receipt by an National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) delegate, that:

the NDIA immediately approve a typical supports package (TSP) for the participant as an interim measure; and

the NDIA replace the TSP with an individualised plan no later than 45 days after the TSP is approved.

Recommendation 12

3.139

The committee recommends that all participants with complex support needs be immediately streamed to an National Disability Insurance Agency delegate to develop their plan and appropriate funding package.

Recommendation 13

3.145

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency develop and implement a mechanism to prioritise access decisions, plan meetings and plan approvals for children with complex needs and/or an acquired disability.

Recommendation 14

3.153

The committee recommends that the National Disability Insurance Agency immediately implement a mechanism to allow participants to pay for transport out of core funding.

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