October 1st 2024.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has recently undergone significant changes, with one of the key updates being the official ban on claims for sex work. This reform was announced by NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who outlined the various modifications to the scheme, particularly in terms of the types of support that participants can access.
Under this revamp, individuals enrolled in the NDIS will no longer be able to receive support for services such as sex work, dating apps, concerts, reiki, crystal and cuddle therapy, and vapes. These changes will take effect on October 3rd and come after a long wait for Australians with disabilities to receive the final list of approved services. To ease the transition, NDIS participants will be given a one-year grace period to adjust to the changes, and administrators will have the discretion to waive claims under $1500 if they are made in error.
Furthermore, those who are currently utilizing a service that has been newly banned will be allowed to continue receiving it until their NDIS plan expires. According to Shorten, the introduction of new guidelines will provide individuals using the NDIS with more clarity on what services are covered and what is deemed ineligible. He stated, "We are simply making it clear that certain therapies are not within the bounds of what service providers should be offering."
On the topic of the reforms, Shorten also mentioned that they are focused on ensuring that the NDIS is run properly and transparently, with the best interests of participants in mind. He expressed concern over some service providers who are offering therapies that lack scientific evidence or proof of effectiveness. These changes are expected to result in significant cost savings, with the government estimating a total of $14 billion over the next four years.
This move to ban sex work claims under the NDIS is not new, as Shorten had previously pledged to exclude sexual services from the scheme, citing it as "not a sustainable proposition." He emphasized that the majority of individuals enrolled in the NDIS are not seeking these types of services. Shorten also noted that while he will continue to work on improving the NDIS until his departure from federal politics in 2025, he believes that these changes are necessary to ensure the sustainability and fairness of the scheme.
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