Today more than 90 people with disability, families, carers, support workers and disability service providers came together for an event at the South Perth Community Centre to defend the NDIS and showcase its importance prior to the Federal Election.

The event held in the electorate of Swan, the most marginal seat in WA, was opened with a powerful speech by Senator Jordon Steele-John.

A panel session provided a platform for Andrew Fairbairn, Dave Bouzidis, Bronwyn Lines and Athena Doropoulos to share their experiences of the NDIS with Senator Louise Pratt representing Zaneta Mascarenhas (Labor) and candidate for Swan, Clint Uink (Greens).

Andrew spoke about how he was funded two years ago through the NDIS for a wheelchair, however, modifications to his home to make it accessible, including getting into his own bathroom, were not deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’. Andrew’s son Kyal is also an NDIS participant and has set up his own successful micro-enterprise Kyal’s Coffee Kart. However, cuts to Kyal’s NDIS plan could put his business in jeopardy.

“People with disability are calling on all candidates to remember the purpose of the NDIS and commit to a scheme that treats people as human beings, not numbers,” Andrew said.

“While the NDIS is an incredible social and economic reform, it is at a crossroads. It’s complex and hard to navigate. There are problems with fairness and consistency. People’s plans are being cut. Support is being minimised. It’s just not good enough. While it is working well for some people, many others are missing out or having critical supports removed, leaving their independence in jeopardy.”

Dave Bouzidis lives in the Electorate of Swan and is a single father to two teenage sons with Autism, both NDIS participants. He has had to battle the system for years to get appropriate NDIS plans and supports for his sons. Dave said “I see so many others missing out or going under with the stress and want to see systemic change to ensure a fairer NDIS for everyone.”

Frances Buchanan, CEO of WA Blue Sky, based in Swan, said local people with disability, their families, carers and disability workers had campaigned long and hard to establish the NDIS and we’re joining the National Day of Action to make sure it delivers on its promise. 

"At WA Blue Sky we’re hearing too many stories from the people we support of their funding being cut or changed without proper explanation. 

"And we’re still seeing cases of people struggling to navigate a system that seems to focus on cost ahead of individualised supports," she said.

Rosie Lawn, CEO of Avivo said Avivo supports people with disability across WA, including in Swan. “We were part of national celebrations when the NDIS was promised and we will continue to make sure the scheme is delivered the way it was intended, especially as an estimated 48,000 West Australians with disability will be part of the NDIS by 2023.”

Both candidates and representatives listened to the experiences raised by panel members and other guests at the event and their responses outlined their commitment to Defend the NDIS.

Senator Louise Pratt, Australian Labor Party said “We must fix the NDIS in partnership with people with disability.”

Greens local member Clint Uink said “The Greens are committed to a fully funded NDIS that meets the needs of everyone.”

The campaign is being coordinated by grassroots disability organisation, Every Australian Counts, together with the Teamwork Works campaign, led by National Disability Services, which represents 1200 disability providers.

NDS WA State Manager Coralie Flatters said the NDIS was supporting local people with disability, as well as local economies in every part of Australia.

“The state of play with the NDIS and its current failings are very concerning. The WA disability sector has issues with the implementation of the NDIS, and our members report a challenging NDIS working environment posing a threat to sustainability.

This in turn has an impact on providing true choice and control for people with disability, Ms Flatters said.

“NDS urges the NDIA to adopt a more comprehensive and flexible WA-based cost model that reflects the local market experience and evidence-based best practice, including for regional and remote parts of the State.”

“We need them to know that we will vote for the candidates who commit to defend our NDIS.”

NDS would like to thank Avivo, WA Blue Sky, Inclusion Solutions, Essential Personnel, One2One, Valued Lives, Nulsen, MSWA, Autism Association of WA and My Place for their financial contributions that made this event possible.