Michael Sukkar MP

NDIS REFORM PASSES WITH COALITION SUPPORT

THE HON MICHAEL SUKKAR MP
Shadow Minister for Social Services
Shadow Minister for NDIS
Shadow Minister for Housing
Shadow Minister for Homelessness

MEDIA RELEASE

22 August 2024

NDIS REFORM PASSES WITH COALITION SUPPORT

Labor’s long-awaited changes to the NDIS have passed the Parliament, but it’s only just the beginning of what’s required to reform the Scheme.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024 was so poorly conceived that almost 100 amendments were ultimately made to Labor’s Bill.

Thanks to the Opposition and the additional scrutiny of the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, the original half-baked Bill was cleaned up, preventing the Government from ramming through this legislation without adequate consideration and consultation from stakeholders.

It’s clear that the disability sector was not appropriately consulted on these changes, as the Government stubbornly refused to speak to NDIS participants, providers, carers and stakeholders about their needs.

In the end, the Coalition, as a responsible Opposition, would not stand in the way of necessary reform, which is drastically different to the approach of Bill Shorten, who stood in the way of the Coalition’s attempts to put the scheme on a sustainable footing.

The Coalition is proud to have held this Government and the NDIA to account on the fraud, abuse and misuse of taxpayer funds, and we are also proud of the wins we were able to achieve for deserving NDIS participants.

Bill Shorten is now on notice and the Coalition will be closely watching his administration of the Scheme – because beyond today – there is still so much work to be done, from addressing the blown out wait times to detailing what Foundational Supports will be made available.

It is up to Bill Shorten to ensure participants do not miss out on essential supports. After all, Bill Shorten must now deliver on his election promise – that no NDIS plan would go backwards under his watch as minister.

Australians can be assured that the Coalition will be scrutinising this Government to provide the certainty, support and services to the Australians who need it most, and to ensure the NDIS remains fit for purpose and is sustainable for future generations to come.

Ends