With lots of NDIS changes and news taking place, we have collated a summary of some of the items that might be of interest to our community.
New CEO of the NDIA
The Australian Government has appointed Mr Graeme Head AO as the new CEO of the NDIA for a three-year term.
Mr Head has experience in public administration and social policy, including his previous role as the inaugural NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner (2018 to 2021). He currently serves as Secretary of the NSW Department of Customer Service, where he has focused on improving service delivery and consumer outcomes.
After Hours Crisis Referral Service
For life-threatening or time-critical emergencies, individuals should call 000 immediately.
The NDIS After Hours Crisis Referral Service (AHCRS), delivered by Marathon Health in partnership with the NDIA, provides after-hours crisis support to NDIS participants who experience a sudden loss of disability-related supports.
Approved referrers, such as ambulance services, public hospitals, police, acute mental health services and state justice officers can access the service via a dedicated 1800-number outside business hours. Crisis assistance may be available for participants aged 18 and over, or for those under 18 in voluntary out of home care when they present to emergency services due to lost supports.
AHCRS operates 12am to 9am and 5pm to 11:59pm on weekdays, and 24 hours on weekends and national public holidays. It does not replace state and territory responsibilities for mainstream and emergency services.
During business hours, existing NDIS escalation pathways remain available. The National Contact Centre operates Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (local time):
- Participants: 1800 800 110
- Providers: 1300 311 675
Need a little support?
If you are finding the changes and news challenging to get your head around, you are welcome to contact our Family Support team with any NDIS-related questions at familysupport@dsav.asn.au (up to 18 years old) or debbyf@dsav.asn.au (for 18 years and over), or you can phone 9486 9600.