22/06/2025
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                                        The NDIA spent $46.3 million on legal fees in 2023-24 fighting NDIS participant appeals at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). This does not include the fees for non-legal personnel. In 70% of cases, NDIA decisions are changed after ART review.
For example, if a Participant’s NDIS funding plan was missing crucial therapy or equipment funding, a Participant can request an internal review by the NDIA. If it is still not appropriately funded, a Participant can have the matter taken to the Administrative Review Tribunal (previously the AAT). For 70% of of the cases that went to the AAT in 2023-24, the NDIA changed how they funded someone’s plan (likely changing it to include the crucial therapy or equipment funding that had previously not funded).
This shows the huge cost and inefficiency of the current approach. Instead of spending tens of millions on legal battles, we should be investing in better processes, fairer reviews, and direct support for people with disability.
The NDIS needs reform to support its’ sustainability, but slashing frontline rates with 18 days notice is not the answer. Let’s focus on where the real waste is. I welcome the NDIS to engage in consultation with Providers and Participants to support the development of more efficient and cost-effective systems.
For more details, see the official FOI document here: https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/12177/response/39010/attach/9/FOI%2024.25%200250%20Disclosure%20Log%20Document.pdf?cookie_passthrough=1
13 days until these changes are implemented on July 1. Please see the links to petitions and contact details for government representatives in previous posts. 
- https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-disability-support-stop-the-ndis-cuts
- https://otaus.com.au/ndis-pricing-campaign
       
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