The Western Australian Minister for Disability Services, Stephen Dawson, has announced the commencement date for the transfer to the NDIS Commission is to be deferred from 1 July to 1 December, 2020.

As many organisations in WA are not yet operating under the new regulatory system, local providers will be pleased they do not have to transfer to the new regulator while simultaneously managing the impacts of COVID-19.

WA’s current quality and safeguards management will continue until the beginning of December.

At this critical time, the priority for disability service providers is ensuring the wellbeing of people with disability and managing the risks of exposure during the pandemic, particularly as some people with disability are at significant risk due to underlying health conditions. The delay will give many providers extra time to prepare for the NDIS Commission’s regulatory requirements.

NDS also welcomes the Government’s allocation of $2 million via the existing Sector Transition Fund to assist providers to prepare for the transition. In the interim, the complaints investigation and resolution area of the Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HaDSCO) will be allocated more resources and the existing quality and safeguarding functions performed by the Department of Communities will continue.

Current quality and safeguarding arrangements for the Continuity of Support Programme for people aged 65 and over will also be maintained by the Department of Communities.

NDS will continue to work closely with the Minister for Disability Services, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Department of Communities, as well as the NDIA, to support the transfer to the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission by 1 December 2020.