During the recent Senate Estimates, I inquired with the NDIA about whether individuals with autism, often described as being on the spectrum, and their families are covered by the scheme to receive support? Constituents had informed me that support had been cut without explanation.
I was informed that there’s been no change and that individuals with autism will continue to be included in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), with support determined on a case-by-case basis.
I also inquired about the plan for supporting older individuals nearing retirement who already receive assistance under the scheme, ensuring they continue to receive the higher level of support. I was informed that the government is still deliberating on this matter.
Transcript
Senator ROBERTS: Before moving on to my third question, I express my appreciation for the answers to the first two and for Mr Dardo’s concurrence that he’s going to put the details, in response to my first question, on notice—the financial figures. I don’t know who the appropriate person for this question is. Will families supporting a family member with autism be appropriately supported? Is autism covered?
Ms Falkingham: It is. Can I clarify what your question is about, though. Obviously we cover autism within the scheme.
Senator ROBERTS: You do?
Ms Falkingham: Yes, we do.
Senator ROBERTS: I’ve heard that many people with autism—or who are on the spectrum, as they say—had their services cut off, with little explanation provided. Is that true?
Ms Falkingham: It’s not true that there has been any change in relation to autism. Autism will always remain part of our scheme. But, if there are any individuals that have got particular cases that you would like me to look at, I’m really happy to do that.
Senator ROBERTS: Thank you. I have two more questions. What’s planned to support older people currently receiving a disability support package that’s far in excess of an age pension? What’s the plan for them when they reach retirement age?
Ms Falkingham: That might be a question for our colleagues in DSS as well, because the NDIS review has made some recommendations in relation to making sure that people continue to receive disability supports after 65, but government is currently deliberating on that recommendation.
Senator ROBERTS: Thank you.
Mr Griggs: Senator, we can come to that.
Senator ROBERTS: Sorry?
Mr Griggs: We can come to that when we get to outcome 1 in DSS tonight. That would be the place to discuss that.
Senator ROBERTS: That’s it. Thank you very much.
I am receiving agedcare package for my disability and chronic pain and bad falls that has resulted in me not being able to access my bathtub I have had many falls out of it and broken bones when l was first accessed they told me they would replace the bathtub for safety reasons now what l promised they have done nothing the provider is so incompetent no communication and taking over allowing quotes which l am still capable of deciding this one !!! Both my husband and I have worked very hard all our life paid high taxes and this is how we are treated l am so disappointed in this government and an example next door has so many cars going there everyday everything they want they get and we are put on the back burner l have had 4 OTS plus a nurse that has said I need that bathroom fixed but it has fallen on deaf ears I have no faith in any of the government and how they can give to so many and brush us under the rug it’s got me this way I am totally depressed to know that they can do this and get away with it ! I would love to have my health back but unfortunately it doesn’t happen that way
Maree