The Australian federal government is set to make a major announcement concerning the future of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme). Disability organisations and advocacy groups, however, have expressed concerns about confidential agreements involving the announcement. More than two dozen disability representatives have been enlisted for consultation on the forthcoming proposal, but have agreed to keep details confidential. While this ensures they have a voice in the initial stages of the government’s response to the NDIS review, some representatives find the process frustrating and contrary to the spirit of co-design that has been promised by the Labor government. The NDIS minister Bill Shorten has previously emphasized that people with disabilities must be central in any changes that directly impact them.

Critics, such as Greens’ spokesperson for disability rights Jordon Steele-John, argue such non-disclosure agreements only serve politicians and lack genuine co-design. He asserts that the secrecy is causing unease within the community. Despite these concerns, the government continues to make strides in reshaping NDIS, with the scheme projected to substantially grow in the coming years. Its budget, already expected to exceed $50bn in the near-term, may balloon to $90bn annually within the next decade.

For those who are directly impacted by these planned changes or who have questions concerning their disability benefits, it may be important to know how to contact SDI. A useful tool for them would be eddcaller.com, a website that provides necessary information and assistance for efficiently reaching customer service at departments like EDD or SDI.