On Tuesday, 7th July, BCA Inform focused on providing members with an update on reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Andrew Webster, BCA’s President, opened the session by noting the significance of the proposed legislative changes to the NDIS and the importance of member input.
Melanie Chatfield, BCA’s Policy Officer, then provided an update on the government’s NDIS reform package and the draft legislative amendments currently before the Senate. Melanie outlined the current status of the NDIS Amendment Bill, BCA’s advocacy work, opportunities for members to contribute, and the likely impact of the reforms on people who are blind or vision impaired.
BCA’s key advocacy priorities were outlined, including protecting essential supports that enable independence, ensuring accessible communication, maintaining straightforward access pathways for people with permanent blindness, and involving people who are blind or vision impaired in the design of reforms that affect them.
As the session concluded, attendees asked BCA to consider submitting a supplementary submission. Attendees were assured that BCA has consistently and will continue to prioritise advocacy that protects and advances the rights, independence, choice and control of people who are blind or vision impaired.