Australian government initiates support measures for storm-affected NDIS participants

Australian government initiates support measures for storm-affected NDIS participants | Insurance Business Australia

Catastrophe & Flood

More than 7,000 participants reside in impacted areas in FNQ

Catastrophe & Flood

By
Roxanne Libatique

In the aftermath of ex-Tropical Cyclone (TC) Jasper, the Australian government has remained dedicated to assisting National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in the affected regions.

The minister for the NDIS, the Hon Bill Shorten, affirmed that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is collaborating closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the well-being of NDIS participants.

“The NDIA is working closely with relevant agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and Queensland Emergency Response to ensure participants are safe,” Shorten said. “This includes working with Mission Australia to make welfare calls to ensure all participants have access to appropriate supports and prioritising plan reviews for those who urgently require support, such as replacement assistive technology.”

National Contact Centre

Shorten highlighted the activation of a dedicated telephone line by the National Contact Centre (NCC) for impacted participants and providers.

“The NDIS’ National Contact Centre (NCC) is often the first port of call for participants who require additional support, and this important service will be strengthened to ensure there is a dedicated phone line for people impacted by Cyclone Jasper,” he said. “I’d encourage any participant who requires support to prioritise their personal safety and call the NCC rather than travelling to an NDIS office during this difficult time.”

The NCC operates Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 8 pm, reinforcing its role as a primary contact for participants requiring additional support in the aftermath of ex-TC Jasper.