South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has penned a letter on behalf of state premiers to oppose the Albanese Government’s planned reforms to save billions from the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Source: ABC News.
The states and territories are in a stand-off with the federal Government over its plan to shift some NDIS functions back to the states, as well as new rules that will limit how funding can be used.
The reforms will also crack down on dodgy providers and fraudulent claims within the NDIS, as the Government hopes to rein in future costs by billions to keep the scheme sustainable in the years to come.
The states had already expressed deep doubt over the reforms, which they claimed “risk creating service gaps for people with disability” if what the NDIS could offer was changed before the states could introduce alternatives.
In particular, the Council for the Australian Federation cited concerns if eligibility was limited for groups such as children with autism before the states could establish their services, and concerns that the bill would give more power to the NDIS minister to make rules without appropriate safeguards.
In the letter to an inquiry examining the matter, Mr Malinauskas said the Government’s amendments to the bill had failed to satisfy those concerns.
“While we acknowledge the amendments made to the bill in the House of Representatives, which go to some of the issues raised in our submission, many of our issues remain relevant and are yet to be addressed,” Mr Malinauskas wrote.
“Consequently, we request you consider our initial submission in your current inquiry deliberations.”
The premiers have recommended the reforms should not commence until new state systems are agreed on and rules to change how funding can be used are developed in more detail.
FULLS TORY
State premiers remain opposed to NDIS reforms that ‘risk creating service gaps’ (By Jake Evans, ABC News)
