National Disability Services (NDS), Australia's peak industry body for non-government disability service providers, today welcomed recommendations by Alan Robertson SC following his independent review of disability regulation.

Commissioned by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Robertson’s report, the "Independent review of the adequacy of the regulation of the supports and services provided to Ms Ann-Marie Smith, an NDIS participant, who died on 6 April 2020" details 10 recommendations on improving quality and safeguards for NDIS participants.

"The only positive thing that I can see stemming from the tragic death of Ann Marie Smith is that the measures recommended in Mr Robertson’s review may save other people with disability from similar harm," said NDS CEO, David Moody.

Appointing a specific person with overall responsibility for a vulnerable person’s safety and wellbeing, a ban on 'sole carers' and implementing a Community Visitor Scheme were among the 10 recommendations now with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to consider.

"NDS was appalled by circumstances leading to Anne Marie’s death. We welcome all of the recommendations and will be active contributors in implementing all of the measures the Government decides to support," said Mr Moody.