NDIS Capacity Building Project Update 8 - 26 March 2015

Please find below the latest NDIS Network Update. In this issue we discuss consultation on the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, Mental Health Australia’s submission to the Department of Social Services (DSS) on the NDIS Information, Linkages and Capacity Building Framework and a recent publication by Hunter Partners in Recovery (PIR).

Open Consultation Opportunity – NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework

As mentioned in our last update on 23 February 2015, DSS has begun consultation around a Quality and Safeguarding Framework for the NDIS. The Framework’s purpose is to make sure the NDIS provides quality supports, choice and control and keeps people safe from harm. There are a number of different ways to provide feedback or get involved in the discussion outlined on the DSS website.

Mental Health Australia has developed a one page brief on the Framework for its member organisations. The brief highlights the key points of the NDIS Quality and Safeguards consultation paper and is designed to assist members should they choose to make a submission to the consultation process. 

The consultation options also include public meetings in many cities across the country. To find out more information and/or register for the meetings, visit the DSS website.

Submission to DSS on NDIS Information Linkages and Capacity Building

Mental Health Australia has provided a submission to DSS on the NDIS Framework for Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC), previously referred to as Tier 2. The submission is available for download from the Mental Health Australia website. Thank you to those who provided input to development of this submission within a very short timeframe. 

The submission outlines the uncertainty for the mental health sector due to the lack of clear information on key aspects of scheme design, which is compounded by unresolved issues in the health, welfare and other systems. It also argues that governments should make clear the future of programmes and services that are notionally in scope for the NDIS as well as decisions about the level of funding available for ILC and other support services in adjacent systems at the State/Territory and Commonwealth level.

Recent Publication: Hunter PIR and the NDIS: Building a Stronger Partnership

You may already be aware that PIR is a Commonwealth Government initiative aiming to better support people with severe and persistent mental illness and complex needs, and their carers and families, by connecting them more effectively with the services and supports they need. The concurrent operation of Hunter PIR and the Hunter NDIS trial provides an opportunity for learnings. Hunter PIR has drafted a discussion paper covering this issue titled ‘Hunter PIR and the NDIS: Building a Stronger Partnership’, which is available for download here.

For further information about any of the above, please contact Liz Ruck at info@mhaustralia.org