19 October 2022

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) has welcomed the announcement of the Independent Review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and says it will be critical to include the expertise of people with lived experience and their physicians.

It is estimated that 1 in 6 Australians have a disability, around 4.4 million people, and 2 in 3 people with a disability under the age of 65 years of age saw a medical specialist in the last year.

RACP President and developmental paediatrician Dr Jacqueline Small said it is essential to improve the wellbeing of Australians with disability and ensure the sustainability of the NDIS through the Independent Review.

“It is essential that issues with the NDIS be resolved in partnership with people with disability, their physicians, families, and carers. This review is very welcome and overdue,” Dr Small said.

“The RACP wants an active role in the review. We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders, offering the expert paediatrician and physician input that can ensure a strong NDIS for decades to come.

“The collaboration between the health and disability sectors and healthcare workers can contribute immensely both to this review and the necessary improvements. The RACP supports a NDIS that ensures equitable access and funding for people with disability.”.

The RACP has strongly advocated for people with a disability over recent years including meeting with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to discuss NDIS access criteria for prospective participants and health professionals and advocating for people with disability having access to COVID-19 vaccines and being protected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RACP has provided submissions to the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031, the Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability and the NDIS Act Review and Participant Service Guarantee (Tune Review).

“The benefit of an improved NDIS will be felt by the whole community. Ensuring appropriate support for people with disability works for everyone,” Dr Small said.