The ACT Government has accused the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of preventing people with disabilities from taking part in the program despite it being uncapped, it has been reported.
After the scheme has reached its target of 5,075 people for ACT, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has reportedly told individuals and groups that no new planning meetings would be held despite the program being unlimited,
ABC reported.
It is uncertain how many people were affected in ACT, which serves as the trial site for the NDIS, currently being set up nationwide and is expected to cost $22 billion annually.
Michael De’Ath, director-general of the ACT community services directorate, said: "It was recently brought to the attention of the Community Services Directorate that the NDIA was advising clients that no new planning meetings will be undertaken in the ACT."
Both the federal government and the NDIA have not denied the allegation; but Federal Social Services Minister Christian Porter said meetings were ongoing, the report said.
"Participant planning sessions are continuing while we await the outcome of the ACT election [this Saturday]," Porter said.
So which of the two governments should fund for the extra participants?
De'Ath said: "The ACT NDIS bilateral agreement outlines a target of 5,075 ACT participants, with the clear understanding that the Commonwealth Government accepts the full cost for any participants beyond this figure.”
"The NDIS is not a capped scheme. All eligible people with disability are entitled to become participants and receive a plan and a funding package."
The Commonwealth, on the other hand, said it wanted a new deal with the ACT.
"The NDIS is not a capped program and so following the ACT election, governments will agree on arrangements for bringing in additional participants," Porter said.
Related stories:
Half of NDIS enrolees receive disability support for the first time
Tassie jobs surge with NDIS roll-out
NDIS to create jobs, allow more control
