New NDIS worker screening takes effect from

  • The NDIS (Worker Screening) Bill has passed through the WA Parliament
  • New screening process for NDIS workers begins on February 1, 2021
  • A nationally consistent tool that can help NDIS provide a quality and safe workforce
  • Replaces an array of screening processes used in States and Territories 
  • The National Disability Insurance Scheme (Worker Screening) Bill has today passed through the Western Australian Parliament, ensuring a new screening process for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) workers will come into force in early 2021.

    The new worker screening checks will help ensure that individuals seeking to work with people with disability via disability providers or directly engaged do not present any unacceptable risk.

    The nation-wide Worker Screening Check (NDIS Check) and NDIS Worker Screening Database will be introduced by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) from February 1, 2021.

    The screening process will assess whether a person who works or seeks to work with people with disability poses a risk to them, and will determine whether they are cleared or excluded from working in certain roles.

    Once the NDIS worker screening commences, all new workers will be required to take the check and existing workers will phase-in over time. Transitional arrangements will be in place between December 1, 2020 to February 1, 2021 to ensure workers have an acceptable check in place until the NDIS worker screening check commences.

    NDIS workers and providers are encouraged to visit the NDIS Check website at https://www.ndiswsu.wa.gov.au to find out more information and be aware of obligations before the worker screening process commences operation.

    As stated by Disability Services Minister Stephen Dawson:

    “Worker screening checks will be a vital tool to better support the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of NDIS participants.

    “I’m really pleased this important legislation has enjoyed bipartisan support so Western Australia can successfully progress the establishment of consistent standards for worker screening.

    “I look forward to seeing a consistent national approach to worker screening processes for NDIS workers coming into place.

    “The NDIS Check will replace the array of screening arrangements operating in States and Territories by setting a single national standard and screening process for all NDIS workers delivering supports and services to people with disability.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.