The laws from the new NDIS legislation started on October 3rd, 2024. There is now more clarity around who can access the NDIS and the NDIS has more control over how money is spent to avoid fraud or non-compliance.

The main differences that I can see for people who I know are:

• funding periods will only be 12 months (I’m not sure how this effects people who have been told that they have a 2 year plan)

• in the future there will be a new planning framework and there may be an eligibility reassessment - but not yet!

For more info. look at the summary of the legislation:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/summary-legislation-changes

or the FAQs - https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation

One way that the NDIS is attempting to reduce the cost of the NDIS is by encouraging community connections. A document released on 28th October, 2024 highlighted that the Local Area Coordinator (LAC) should be able to connect you with supports in the community. It will take time for these supports to build and for the LAC to know about them - but I would highly recommend that you request a Community Connection Planning session with your LAC. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/community-connections

Before you spend or claim any money, check with your LAC or planner. Check the list of supports. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund

For a long time the NDIS that they can either provide education or reclaim the debt when someone has made a mistake about claiming from the NDIS.

To help educate everyone, they created a clearer document of fundable support on Oct 3rd, 2024. If someone claims an item that is on the “Supports that are not NDIS supports” list, it will be difficult to claim it was unintentional.

Since Oct 3rd, 2024 it is also more difficult to request a review of decisions.

Therefore, make sure you check the latest version of the support lists.

https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund

Sadly, one of the reasons that the NDIS is over-budget is that individuals or organisations have been fraudulent. If you suspect fraud call the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717 or you can email fraudreporting@ndis.gov.au or go to: ndis.gov.au/non-compliance or https://www.ndis.gov.au/form/ndia-fraud-reporting-form

PACE is a new computer system that will be gradually implemented over the next 18 months. It will be better designed to monitor and analyse data. It has also been designed to be easier to change when changes are made to the NDIS. First they will use it with new participants and those who are being reasssessed. Then they will gradually introduce it with everyone.

The biggest difference is that it is designed for bulk uploads and because of this there may be changes to what is entered eg. plan managers will need to have the correct item number on invoices. Also providers will be paid more quickly if you call them “My provider” - if not the NDIA may check with you each time.

There were so many changes recommended by the NDIS review and the government won’t implement all of them. The states have committed to setting up Foundation supports to replace some of the early intervention and mental health supports that the NDIS attempted to provide. To do this there is a funding agreement where the states will get more gst money collected by the Federal government. Another proposal that the NDIA has committed to is that they want to have all providers registered or at least enrolled and they no longer want to have plan managers (but these are longer term plans). Here is a bit more info from the NDIS. See above for more information about the new NDIS legislation that has already come into action.

The Disability Royal Commission recommended more money go into inclusion ie. more money going into making schools and preschools more inclusive - my guess is that this will mean that within the next 5 years there will be more therapists available in schools, childcare and preschools - so things like handwriting and emotional regulation will be worked on within the school context. This will mean that NDIS funding will be mainly relevant for home life and community participation. OTs are much more on the defensive than previously - particularly after one OT was jailed for NDIS fraud. We are being much more careful about our recommendations and our service provision.

I think it was just confusing that there was an NDIS review happening and so having plan reviews seemed to be the wrong word. They also wanted to reduce the amount of money being spent on writing reports each year. Therefore, they decided to just have a “re-assessment” when it is necessary - and otherwise just continue the money - however, they are now saying there will be a new plan every year - so it is a little confusing at the moment. We will have to wait and see what actually happens…..NDIS website.