Page 957 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017
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ACT. There are now only 27 remaining Disability ACT permanent staff who are engaged in finalising arrangements for the closure of Disability ACT.
Of all staff affected by this process, 333 requested training and support. Training included certificate III and certificate IV and diploma and double diploma level of study. The qualifications and training have resulted in staff being highly sought after within the sector and this has enabled many staff to establish private practices or businesses. I am pleased to note that the majority of staff have remained within the sector. One staff member said:
The training that was provided by Disability ACT was instrumental as it aided and assisted us greatly and enabled us to manage change. This was a great asset as it played a pivotal role in managing and dealing with the challenges and stresses associated with changes that we all faced.
It is certainly gratifying to hear that the change has been managed carefully and proactively, and we can only hope that as the rest of the country transitions into the NDIS they are fortunate enough to have similar experiences.
I do need to note that despite these significant achievements and progress there have been hurdles along the way. For some services and people with disability, these are continuing and proving difficult to overcome. For example, we know that each year at least two or three individuals with disability and aged under 18 present to government requiring a significant level of support. These young people often have parents who love them and want to retain parental responsibility but require an out-of-home response. This has presented a challenge to the NDIA’s expectations about parental responsibility for accommodation for young people under the age of 18. The ACT government has continued to provide a response and support to young people and their families in this situation. The directorate continues to work with the NDIA on this issue so that young people now and into the future can be appropriately supported on their path into adulthood.
I have also had some interesting conversations with service providers who are willing and keen to deliver services in an environment of choice and control but have experienced significant issues in relation to clear and effective communication from the NDIA. As the new scheme is built and implemented, changes occur which affect the viability of services and market confidence. Members would probably be aware that access to the NDIA portal to progress payments has been a real challenge for participants and providers, as has the ability to speak with staff at the NDIA in person or on the phone. Ministers have been assured by the NDIA that the portal issues are largely resolved, but it is clear that some communication issues remain.
Timely and effective communication is key to large reforms. I have made clear the ACT government’s expectation that changes to the way plans and packages are determined, and any changes to remuneration levels set by the NDIA, must be communicated to participants and providers in a timely way.
Locally, delays have been experienced in the appointment of a provider for local area coordination and the establishment of an early childhood and early intervention centre.
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