Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

When it comes to independent assessments, as those opposite know, these were recommended by the Productivity Commission in 2011. Those opposite appointed a great Australian, John Walsh, to that commission in 2009. Mr Walsh has served with enormous distinction, and it was a magnificent appointment. Mr Walsh, who is considered the godfather of the NDIS for all the work he has done, said five days ago on the ABC News that independent assessments were a 'fundamental building block' of the original scheme, and:

These changes … will provide people with much greater opportunity to explore a whole range of innovative services and supports that are not currently available.

This is about people with disability—not about governments, not about service providers—so we need to give the control back to people with disabilities.

I think he's right. Independent assessments should be paid for by the Commonwealth. This will save participants up to $170 million from having to get their own reports. It ensures complete equity between the barrister on Brisbane River and the young lady out the back of Burke to ensure they can get the same access to the scheme and we should support Mr Walsh and independent assessments. (Time expired)

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