Hi Supporter, 

Sorry, the gremlins got to us this afternoon! It seems like the link to the NDIS website didn't work for everyone. We've fixed it below. 

Breaking news from Canberra this afternoon. NDIS Minister Stuart Robert gave a speech at the National Press Club where he talked about his plan to get the NDIS working better for everyone who needs it.

There was a lot in the speech but just a few key things:

• From July 2020 participants will be able to use their funds more flexibly - including moving funds between core and capacity building. 
• The NDIS will begin to provide independent assessments so people can get evidence for access at no cost to them.
• Joint planning meetings will roll out nationally next year. People will also be able to see a draft of their plan before it’s approved.

We’ll post a more detailed story on our website tomorrow but for more information now you can go to [UPDATE] Correct link https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/4016-minister-reveals-plan-improve-ndis 

That’s not the only story you will find on our website. Head on over and you can find out below about our 100 day plan for the new boss of the NDIA; hear from our great friend George Taleporos about what the Aged Care Royal Commission said about young people with disability in aged care; and learn about changes to SDA that you might have missed (hint: the announcement was made on the provider side of the NDIS website).

Our 100 day plan for the new NDIA CEO

The new NDIA boss Martin Hoffman started his new job last week so we made sure he had a great to-do list ready for him on his first day of work.

Done! Your messages delivered

 A BIG thank you to everyone who sent in their stories, experiences and ideas for change for our submission into the Tune Review.

Opinion: It’s time to get young people out of nursing homes

The Aged Care Royal Commission’s interim report last week was very critical of the number of young Australians with disability forced to live in aged care. 

Our good friend George Taleporos at the Summer Foundation explains why things desperately need to change – and fast.

A quick update on SDA

Last week Minister Roberts announced long awaited changes to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – unfortunately most of the detail is a bit too hard to find on the NDIS website. But we have tracked it down to share with you.

Don’t forget to check Facebook or our website tomorrow for our take on the Minister’s Press Club announcements this afternoon. 

And don’t forget to remind your friends, families and colleagues to join Every Australian Counts and like us on Facebook and Twitter so they can get the real NDIS news  – without the spin or the jargon.

Thank you for everything you do.

Kirsten and the Every Australian Counts team