[Auslan video with voiceover below]
The government wants to change the laws to the NDIS.
A new ’NDIS bill’ was released on 14th May that explains the changes they want to make. This NDIS bill is very long and hard to understand.
A special government committee was set up to review the proposal: the Senate Committee.
The changes the government want to make are the biggest changes to the NDIS since it started.
DBV made a submission to the Senate Committee, with support from SARU.
You can still have a say too – the deadline was extended to 14 August (helpful instructions are on the People with Disability Australia website).
More information about the proposed bill is on the DHDA website, including a fact sheet and Auslan video.
DBV understands that the government wants to save money, and supports some of the changes, but we are worried that some of the changes might cause problems for deafblind people.
Some of the good news: The Minister will not have the power to cut funding for support getting to medical appointments or to work.
Some of the bad news: The draft bill gives the Minister the power to cut funding people need to leave the home for things that aren’t medical appointments or work, like being part of the community and having a say in issues that impact us.
Jackie from DBV works with SARU’s NDIS Self Advocacy Working Group. The group is campaigning on this issue. They have provided a template letter you can download and send to a politician, or share your story. For questions, contact Miranda at SARU, miranda@saru.org.au, 0493 558 475.
We will keep you updated.
