The Morrison Government today announced a $6.5 million funding boost for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Appeals providers and to continue the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Decision Support Pilot.
Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher today announced additional funding of $160,000 to Queensland Advocacy Inc and an additional $65,000 for Speaking up for you to assist NDIS participants and applicants in the Bonner area.
“NDIS Appeals has been set up to ensure that NDIS applicants and participants have access to support when seeking a review of decisions in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT),” Mr Fletcher said.
“We are now providing more than $10 million provided to over 40 NDIS Appeals advocacy agencies across all states and territories,” Mr Fletcher said.
“While the focus of NDIS Appeals is advocacy support, funding for legal services is available for cases with complex legal issues, or where the applicant does not have the capacity to self-represent.”
Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta welcomed the Morrison Government’s funding to much needed assistance and advocacy support in Bonner.
“NDIS Appeals provides an avenue for assistance to NDIS applicants and participants to get help from an advocate to navigate the review process,” Mr Vasta said.
“These services can include explaining the review process helping to prepare documents and providing advice and skills for better representation.”
“The Morrison Government is investing in disability advocacy now and in the long-term,” Mr Vasta said.
Leading disability advocacy organisation Queensland Advocacy Incorporated (QAI), one of the organisations funded to provide advocacy support for people with disability and their families appealing decisions by the NDIA, welcomed the news.
QAI Director Michelle O’Flynn said today. “There is great need for advocacy in this emerging space to ensure that people with disability are not left without the supports they need. We are grateful that the Federal Government, through the commitment of this further funding, has recognised this. We are also pleased with the decision to continue funding the National Disability Advocacy Program Decision Support Pilot, which enables QAI to continue to provide decision-making support for people seeking to engage with the NDIS. This is greatly needed support for very vulnerable Queenslanders.”
Before accessing NDIS Appeals services, you need to apply to the NDIA for an internal review. If you are unhappy with the outcome of the internal review you can apply to the AAT for an external review and access support through the NDIS Appeals services.
More information on NDIS Appeals can be found on the Department of Social Services website.
