A New Era for NDIS Provider Registration: A Collaborative Vision
As someone passionate about outcomes for people with disabilities for over 40 years, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Inclusion Australia to present a joint submission to the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce. This proposal was presented during an online meeting in early May and in a detailed written submission, both aimed at enhancing the provider registration framework to support the most complex service models effectively.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Together with Inclusion Australia, we have leveraged our extensive experience within the disability sector to propose a model that we believe will set a new standard for NDIS provider registration. This collaboration combines my four decades of experience in disability and mental health sector consultancy with Inclusion Australia's deep connections to the community and advocacy work with people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Our Proposal
The crux of our proposal is a spectrum-based registration model. This approach is designed to be highly adaptable, catering to providers' diverse needs and risk profiles across the spectrum, from small, bespoke services to large, multifaceted organisations. By introducing such flexibility, we aim to foster an environment where service quality is continuously enhanced and compliance is tailored to the real-world operational scale and risk.
Addressing Comprehensive Needs
Recognising the complexity of service delivery, we have also called for a comprehensive review of the NDIS Approved Quality Auditor Scheme and the financial mechanisms governing enrolment, registration, and monitoring activities. These components must align seamlessly with the new model to ensure a holistic approach to provider regulation that is efficient and effective.
Looking Forward
If the Taskforce recommends our model for further exploration and development, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders to refine and advance our proposal. Through workshops, discussions, and collaborative reviews, we aim to ensure that our model not only meets the current needs of the NDIS community but also adapts to its future growth and evolution.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the NDIS. I encourage all interested parties—providers, participants, their families and advocates, policymakers, and the public—to engage with this process. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we strive to build a registration framework that is robust, responsive, and, above all, focused on delivering the best outcomes for NDIS participants.
I am keen to continue this conversation and look forward to the Taskforce’s feedback on our submission. This dialogue is essential for ensuring that our proposed changes are well-informed and effectively address the diverse needs of the NDIS community.