Accept & Reject: Government’s DRC Response And The Future Of The NDIS

Jamie-Lee, discusses her thoughts on the government’s response to the Disability Royal Commission (DRC) recommendations and how there are still many gaps that exist in how people with disability are included in society. As an Australian woman in a wheelchair, I have experienced both the highs and lows of our National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).Five years ago, I participated in a video testimonial about shared support for the Disability Royal Commission (DRC). Over 10,000 people took part in sharing their experiences in the hope that the government might pay attention.The glaring fact is that after 10,000 people shared their experiences (which would have been difficult to share), as well as a taxpayer investment of $559.3 million, few recommendations were accepted.
Someone browses the DRC's Final Report
On July 31st 2024, the federal government officially released the response to the DRC:
  • Of the 222 recommendations, only 13 were accepted in full
  • 117 recommendations were accepted in principle
  • 36 recommendations are being further considered
  • 6 recommendations were noted
I personally think that the government needs a lot more of these experiences to be shared in the hopes of improving NDIS funding. With multiple news stories of NDIS funding being abused, I understand why the legislation around these supports grew.NDIS funding isn’t the only area the government could use lived experiences from people with a disability to make improvements. Most people don’t realise the lack of inclusion in our country, or how it feels to not be able to access a disabled bathroom when out in public.My sister and I have really wanted to do more stand-up comedy, but every venue we reach out to is inaccessible. Over the past few months, we have stopped trying to find a suitable venue because we are sick of being told we can’t get down a narrow flight of stairs.We frequent restaurants and bars and usually wind up sitting outside because we can’t gain access to the inside. It’s even worse when people don’t invite us along to a party because it's inaccessible.Living in the middle of Brisbane city, everything is within walking distance. This makes things so much easier, although the multiple potholes and uneven pathways mean it’s so much harder when you’re in a wheelchair.As much as the NDIS tells us they empathise with our situations, there is still so much lack of understanding and education surrounding disability.Now that the dust has settled on the announcement of the review outcomes, many are still processing and reflecting on what these changes mean. It's natural that people needed some time to fully understand the implications of the announcement.The NDIS is still a new government scheme, so of course it has experienced some teething problems early on. From October 3rd 2024, you can only spend your NDIS funding on things that are classified as NDIS supports.In some circumstances, you might be able to ask to use your funding for a support that isn’t an NDIS support. NDIS has yet to confirm these extenuating circumstances, so make sure you subscribe to the NDIS email using this link here.The government has agreed with the policy behind the 117 recommendations. They are just implementing it differently from how the DRC envisioned it. They still need to do more work with the states and territories.In all fairness, it felt good for me to know that some people’s experiences were heard. Although, it highlights how big of a gap there is when it comes to the way NDIS representatives communicate with people with a disability.
Article published: March 2025*This blog reflects current NDIS policy and legislation. Please note that these mentions may become incorrect as the NDIS changes.

About The Author

Jamie-Lee loves to challenge stereotypes surrounding disability; her lived experience of growing up with a disability motivates her advocacy. Having studied journalism at university, she uses her writing skills to her advantage. She hopes to help other people with a disability along their journey, encouraging vulnerable people to find their voice. She believes that diversity will pave the way to equality for all.
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