The Apoio Pulse – Issue 42
We recently came across Phil Cawthorne's article discussing NIB Thrive's potential impact on the Plan Management industry, and we couldn't resist sharing our two cents from the Apoio team. Greetings, and we trust this message finds you well as you continue your invaluable work supporting the NDIS community. Now, onto NIB Thrive's 'Future State' model – a grand plan to merge Local Area Coordinators, Support Coordinators, and Plan Managers into one 'system navigator.' While we appreciate innovation, it seems they're attempting to create the superhero of intermediaries. Our concern? Does this superhero wear a cape or a conflict of interest?
We can't help but imagine the chaos if we combined Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman into one being – who would save the day when Gotham, Metropolis, and Themyscira need help simultaneously? Similarly, merging essential roles raises eyebrows about conflicts of interest and the impact on the cozy, boutique services many smaller Plan Management and Support Coordination agencies offer. We love a superhero, but let's not forget the charm of individual specialists.
As advocates for light-heartedness, we envision a world where the NDIS remains true to its roots, allowing participants the freedom to choose their own Plan Manager and Support Coordinator. After all, it's like choosing your favourite superhero – some prefer capes, others prefer utility belts.
In response to NIB Thrive's proposals, we've dusted off our superhero capes and leveraged our influence to ensure this gets the scrutiny it deserves. Let's keep the NDIS landscape diverse, vibrant, and filled with choices – just like a comic bookstore!
Intriguingly, our interest in NIB Thrive's proposals stems from their recent takeover of several regional and remote Plan Management businesses. This shift from local ownership to a more centralized approach has caught our attention, and we believe it's crucial to discuss the implications for the NDIS landscape.
To shed light on the matter, NIB Thrive's three submissions to the NDIA Review can be accessed through the following links:
Further deepening our understanding, we explored the insightful article from Planability, providing valuable perspectives on the potential impact of NIB Thrive's proposals on Plan Management. You can check out the article here.
Should you wish to share your thoughts or discuss this further, contact us at [email protected].
Here's to fostering a vibrant NDIS community that celebrates both local heroes and global champions!
