News | 20 December 2024

Community Feedback on NDIS Legislation Changes

Header image featuring the text 'Community Feedback Survey Results' alongside the Every Australian Counts logo, which includes two figures inside a speech bubble. To the right, there are three emoticons: a green smiling face with a checkmark, a yellow neutral face, and a red sad face. In the background, a blurred hand holds a smartphone.

The results are in. We asked our community about your views and experiences of the recent changes to NDIS that came into effect on 3 October 2024. 

 

1. Who Responded?

Participants included a mix of NDIS users, family members, advocates and service providers.

  • 40% identified as NDIS participants.
  • 38% were family members or nominees.
  • 7% identified as First Nations.
  • 16% identified as culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD).

Pie chart showing survey responses to the question 'I am a (please tick all that apply):' The responses are as follows: NDIS participant (40%, 182 responses), family member or nominee for a NDIS participant (38%, 171 responses), advocate (6%, 29 responses), employee of a service provider (11%, 52 responses), and other (4%, 19 responses). Each category is represented by a colour-coded section of the pie chart.

2. Understanding the NDIS Changes

When asked about their understanding of the October 3 changes:

  • 42% said they understand “a bit.”
  • Only 26% understand the changes “very well.”
  • 21% indicated they don’t understand much or at all.

The data highlights the urgent need for better communication and clearer explanations of these legislative changes.

Pie chart showing survey responses to the question 'How well do you understand the changes to the NDIS that started on 3 October 2024?' The responses are as follows: I understand very well (26%, 100 responses), I understand a bit (42%, 161 responses), I’m unsure (15%, 58 responses), I don’t understand much (11%, 43 responses), and I don’t understand at all (6%, 23 responses). Each category is represented by a colour-coded section of the pie chart

3. How the Community Feels

Feelings towards the changes were largely negative:

  • 39% reported feeling “very negative.”
  • 22% felt “somewhat negative.”

Less than 5% of respondents expressed positive views.

Bar chart showing survey responses to the question 'How do you feel about the NDIS changes?' The responses are as follows: Very positive (5 responses), Somewhat positive (15 responses), Neutral (no strong feeling) (21 responses), Unsure (50 responses), Somewhat negative (107 responses), and Very negative (186 responses). The chart shows a significant majority responded with 'Very negative' and 'Somewhat negative.' Each category is represented by a colour-coded horizontal bar.

4. Support to Navigate the Changes

When asked if they feel supported:

  • 65% said they do not feel supported or informed.
  • Only 5% feel they have adequate support to handle the changes.

This significant gap underlines the need for accessible resources and more support to understand the changes.

Pie chart showing survey responses to the question 'Do you feel you have enough support and information to handle these changes?' The responses are as follows: Yes, I feel supported (5%, 18 responses), Somewhat supported (16%, 60 responses), Unsure (14%, 55 responses), Not very supported (29%, 112 responses), and Not supported at all (36%, 138 responses). Each category is represented by a colour-coded section of the pie chart, with 'Not supported at all' being the largest segment.

5. Biggest Concerns

The top three areas of concern are:

  1. Eligibility reassessments and evidence requirements
  2. Support needs assessment
  3. Rules on NDIS purchases

Participants also raised concerns about limits on new applications and reduced plan durations.

Bar chart showing survey responses to the question 'Which parts of the recent NDIS changes are you most concerned about?' The responses are as follows: Access and eligibility requirements (167 responses), Limits on new applications if previous access is revoked (133 responses), Rules on what can and cannot be purchased with NDIS funding (278 responses), Increased powers of the CEO to move a person to agency management (245 responses), Plan duration reduced to 12 months (160 responses), The support needs assessment and how budgets are set (287 responses), Eligibility reassessments and evidence gathering requirements (290 responses), and Other (88 responses). The chart shows 'Eligibility reassessments and evidence gathering requirements' and 'The support needs assessment and how budgets are set' as the top concerns, with colour-coded horizontal bars representing each category

6.  Ongoing Issues

Since the changes, 63% of respondents reported experiencing more problems with the NDIS. Many participants cited challenges such as:

  • Losing essential supports
  • Difficulty accessing services
  • Reduced choice and control over their plans.

 

7.  The Road Ahead

Only 10% of respondents believe these changes meet the needs of the disability community. Over 50% feel they “do not at all.”

Pie chart showing survey responses to the question 'Do you feel the NDIS legislation changes meet the needs of the disability community?' The responses are as follows: Yes, definitely (1%, 5 responses), Somewhat (9%, 35 responses), Neutral (10%, 38 responses), Not really (29%, 111 responses), and Not at all (50%, 191 responses). The largest segment, representing half the responses, indicates 'Not at all,' with each category colour-coded in the pie chart.

These survey results show that the recent changes to the NDIS are not meeting the needs of our community, and have largely made things worse for NDIS participants. The government needs to listen to what the disability community is saying, and ensure that all future changes put the needs of participants at the centre.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the survey. It is something to guide our advocacy and we are raising concerns with the government.

 

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