In the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone (TC) Jasper, the Australian government has remained dedicated to assisting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in the affected regions.
The minister for the NDIS, the Hon Bill Shorten, affirmed that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is collaborating closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the well-being of NDIS participants.
In Far North Queensland, where an estimated 7,256 NDIS participants reside in impacted areas, Shorten emphasised the government's commitment to aiding affected participants.
“The NDIA is working closely with relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and Queensland Emergency Response to ensure participants are safe,” Shorten said. “This includes working with Mission Australia to make welfare calls to ensure all participants have access to appropriate supports and prioritising plan reviews for those who urgently require support, such as replacement assistive technology.”
Shorten highlighted the activation of a dedicated telephone line by the National Contact Centre (NCC) for impacted participants and providers.
“The NDIS' National Contact Centre (NCC) is often the first port of call for participants who require additional support, and this important service will be strengthened to ensure there is a dedicated phone line for people impacted by Cyclone Jasper,” he said. “I'd encourage any participant who requires support to prioritise their personal safety and call the NCC rather than travelling to an NDIS office during this difficult time.”
The NCC operates Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, reinforcing its role as a primary contact for participants requiring additional support in the aftermath of ex-TC Jasper.
The Insurance Council of Australia recently extended the “insurance catastrophe” declaration for the storms from Christmas through to the New Year.
