The Apoio Pulse – Issue 76 – Bill Shorten Retirement
Well, folks, Bill Shorten is heading for retirement, and just when we thought the NDIS drama couldn’t get juicier, there are whispers that Trump might want the job! (Kidding, or are we?) Where to from here? Like all things NDIS, we’ll have the answer in about 3 years. For now, Bill’s parting gift—a series of proposed NDIS changes—is not law yet, but it’s likely he’ll stick around until they are.
Bill's Parting Gift: What’s Coming to the NDIS?
• Separate Pathways: NDIA will now tell you if you meet disability or early intervention requirements when you apply.
• Clearer Disability & Early Intervention Requirements: You'll only get NDIS support if it's truly NDIS-worthy. Mainstream systems handle the rest.
• Limit on Reapplying: If your status is revoked, no new access request until your review is done.
• Impairment Notices: Participants will get a notice listing the impairments for which they qualify.
• NDIS Supports Definition: NDIS supports will be strictly defined, and you can only spend your NDIS funds on those.
• Plan Management Changes: NDIA can now change how your plan is managed if they think you (or your nominee/manager) aren’t spending funds properly.
• New Funding Rules: New plans will have total funding amounts and periods clearly stated—plans will still last 12 months, but future periods could vary.
• Plan Variations: Some plan changes can be made without needing a new plan.
And with that, we’ll sit back, relax, and wait for the next exciting chapter of NDIS. Stay tuned!
