Kimberley Kitching (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is for the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator Reynolds. I refer to reports of the tragic death of 23-year-old Liam Danher, who died waiting for a seizure mat. The NDIS repeatedly rejected Liam's request for a seizure mat over the course of an 18-month long AAT battle. His family say a $445 seizure mat would have saved his life. Why was Liam's seizure mat rejected? How many thousands of taxpayer dollars did the Morrison government spend on legal advice and lawyers to deny Liam his $445 seizure mat?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for that question. That is a very tragic case, and I have been in contact with Liam's father, who I will be meeting at his convenience. I am still seeking further information on his case. It is complex. The trustee is also involved. So I'm in the process of getting further information. In the first instance I can discuss the matter with his father and then provide more information, as it is appropriate to do in individual cases.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Kitching, a supplementary question?

Kimberley Kitching (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Could you answer the question about what you spent in legal costs? The seizure mat Liam Danher died waiting for was recommended by three different allied health professionals, a neurologist and an independent assessor, as I'm sure you're aware if you've spoken with Liam's father. Why then did the National Disability Insurance Agency still deny Liam the support he needed?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll have to take on notice the legal costs, but I will get back to you as soon as I can. If I could, can I reiterate my condolences to Mr Danher's family. Any death of a child is always tragic. As I've said, I've offered to meet, and I've been in touch with, his father, and I'm seeking some more information for him, which I will meet in person to pass on to him. I understand that Liam did receive support from the NDIS from 9 May 2019 until 5 February 2021, but at this stage I'm unable to provide any further advice.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Kitching, a final supplementary question?

Kimberley Kitching (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As you say, Minister, the death of any child is tragic. This was an avoidable death if he had received the support. Why did the National Disability Insurance Agency contact the grieving Danher family requesting urgent quotes for the very seizure mat that would have saved their son Liam's life a week after his death? You've contacted the father, Mr Danher. Did you apologise when you contacted him? If yes, when did you do that—in that phone call? If not, why haven't you apologised?

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I did just apologise. Just to be clear, my office has contacted—of course, absolutely I apologised. Any death of any child is—

Senator Kitching interjecting—

If you let me finish, I'd be happy to answer the question.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I've got to take the point of order, Senator Reynolds. Senator Kitching, on a point of order.

Kimberley Kitching (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to know, because it was unclear, whether Senator Reynolds is apologising now to the Danher family or, as my question stated, was it in the phone call with Mr—

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Kitching, the minister's been speaking for 10 seconds. I can't allow you to re-ask part of the question. You can raise a point of order on direct relevance. At this point I think the minister was being directly relevant. There's an opportunity to debate it after question time. Senator Reynolds.

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Government Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I said, I'm not able to discuss the details of this case any further. The NDIA chief legal counsel is currently reviewing the case and will be providing a report on that. My office has been in touch with Mr Danher, who is currently relocating, and I will be meeting with him at his convenience.