Debate over WA disability cover
The Human Services Minister says there is no “clear winner” after trials of two disability models in WA.
West Australia is refusing to hand over control of its disability services to the Federal Government’s NDIS, claiming its own scheme is more efficient, cheaper and better for participants.
While the rest of the country prepares statewide rollouts of the $22 billion NDIS from July 1, two trials have been happening in WA.
The State Government’s WA NDIS has been tested in areas including the Lower South West, Cockburn and Kwinana, while the Federal NDIS-run model was trialled in the Perth Hills.
Both of these pilot projects have been extended by up to a year, with a yet-to-be-released review of the trials now in the hands of ministers.
Federal Human Services Minister Christian Porter says results so far have been “mixed”.
“People would have different views ... but there’s no super clear winner based on the observations that I would offer to you, having read [the interim report] in its preliminary form,” he said.
“We want to produce an outcome based on best evidence.”
WA Disability Services Minister Donna Faragher sees it differently.
“WA’s primary focus is in ensuring that the NDIS model that is rolled out provides the best possible outcomes for all people with disability in this State,” Ms Faragher said.
“We have provided the Commonwealth Government with our views on how this is best achieved and are confident that the review supports this position.”
Disability advocates say they just want a good deal.
People with Disabilities WA (PWdWA) has produced a separate report on the results of surveys and forums at the two trial sites, which had some concerns about perceived conflicts of interest.
“Many people with disabilities, their families and carers don’t feel planning is driven by what the person genuinely needs,” executive director Samantha Jenkinson said.
“They are concerned that government planners are limiting the conversation from the very beginning.”