RACGP welcomes bill passing to get the NDIS back on track

GPs play a vital role in disability care and have welcomed the Senate passing a bill to get the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) back on track. 

Today the Senate passed the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill. 

Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) President Dr Nicole Higgins said GPs are key to improving care for patients. 

“GPs support Australians with disability throughout their life and have in-depth knowledge of what supports work for their patients, and what doesn’t,” she said. 

“This is why the RACGP recommends GPs have input into the NDIS planning process and communicate with planners so they can support their community. GPs know their patients and will make the planning process more efficient and ensure patients get the right supports. 

“We have also recommended making NDIS forms more user-friendly, less prescriptive, and able to integrate with general practice software. This will make it easier for GPs and practice teams and give us more time to focus on our patients.  

“The government’s efforts to reform the NDIS are welcome. We can and should do a lot better to ensure people with disability get the support they need to thrive, while also making the NDIS more efficient and sustainable.”