Dietitians are ready to embrace the actions to come from the review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and remain committed to ensuring people with disability in Australia have access to the nutrition support they need to achieve their full potential.
It comes following the release of the final report from the Independent Review into the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by Hon Bill Shorten MP, Minister for the NDIS last week, with an implementation plan due to be made public in the New Year.
“Dietitians Australia and accredited practising dietitians are ready to work with the Government and people with disability as we herald the new chapter of the NDIS in Australia,” Dietitians Australia Acting Chief Executive Officer Natalie Stapleton said.
“We’re looking forward to being part of the continued conversation with Government, to ensure accredited practising dietitians can support people with disability to have access to the appropriate food, nutrition and dietetic services they need under the revised scheme.
“We support the principle within the review of creating an ecosystem of supports for people with disability, made up of inclusive and accessible mainstream services, thriving foundational supports and reformed pathways to access of individualised NDIS packages.
“We thank the dietitians who contributed to the submission and consultation process both through the Royal Commission and the NDIS review, but most importantly, we thank the people with disability in Australia who shared their stories and solutions as part of an effort to ensure the system will become more accessible, suitable, and supportive for participants.
“We welcome the Minister’s comments this week committing to families and children that if they require NDIS supports, “that’s what they will get”.
“Dietitians Australia will continue to advocate for the nutrition rights of all people with disability throughout this next chapter.
“People with disability must be empowered and supported to ensure they are adequately nourished and can participate in safe and enjoyable mealtimes, and we’ll continue to push to ensure Australians who need this support, will get it,” Ms Stapleton said.
