​Tracy Mackey

As the program officer for NDIS and aged care, I had the privilege of attending the 13th annual National Disability Summit. The event brought together major stakeholders, including The Hon Bill Shorten (Minister for NDIS) and Tracy Mackey (Commissioner at the Quality & Safeguards Commission), state government agencies, service providers, participants, and their families. With such a wide variety of stakeholders in the room, it was only fitting that innovation and co-design were at the forefront of every discussion.

Please find below a summary of the key priorities for NDSI, as stated by the Hon Bill Shorten MP.

The MP recognises that the NDIS is not functioning at its best, nor is it achieving what it set out to. As such, a review of the NDIS will occur, in which there will be co-design with participants and an increase in the number leadership positions held by people with disabilities.

Emergency preparedness to ensure people with disabilities are not left without support as they often were at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the delays in accessing services by empowering planners to make decisions. This will reduce the stop/start nature of access request and in turn reduce wait times. The MP was particularly concerned about the number of participants whose supports are delayed during and upon returning to the community post hospital admission.

Addressing the rise in fraudulent activity. The MP hopes to do this without creating barriers for those who need the support.

Will begin the process of addressing workforce challenges across the sector.

Appointment of a new CEO for the agency.