Last week, The Australian obtained and released insensitive Freedom of Information (FOI) documents stating that the NDIA, despite extensive and collective pressure from disability advocates, is urging the government to stay firm on the 1 July funding cuts.

The APA is deeply concerned to see the NDIA pursuing unrealistic and excessive budget goals based on flawed data and at the expense of participants’ lives, despite united advocacy and desperate calls for consultation from those most affected.

In our meeting with the NDIA last month, the APA again made clear the detrimental impacts of the funding cuts and the flawed data that underpinned them. As these meetings seemingly fall upon deaf ears, it is imperative the focus is placed firmly on what matters most and in the words of the NDIS themselves, we must ‘put the participant at the centre of everything we do.’

In The Australian’s report, Minister Mark Butler said prioritising the experience of participants is key to reform. However, the APA continues to speak with participants and providers alike whose have been significantly impacted by these changes, and contrary to the NDIS’ ethos, continue to lose choice and control over their lives.

The APA continues to be inundated by participants and their stories that showcase the reality of the impacts, and the NDIA is knowingly advising the government to stand firm when faced with the real impact to the people the Scheme sought to support.  

We continue to advocate with the help of almost 60,000 Australian’s who have signed our petition and look forward to being present in Canberra meeting with elected officials when parliament recommences this week.

You can support our campaign, encourage your participants to engage and leverage the APA on this matter as we keep you updated with our progress.