Following the aftermath of the ex-Tropical Cyclone (TC) Jasper, Australia’s National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is working in collaboration with various emergency response agencies to ensure the well-being of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants. The commitment was expressed by the Minister for the NDIS, the Hon Bill Shorten, with a particular focus on the roughly 7,256 NDIS participants residing in the affected regions of Far North Queensland. The efforts include prioritising the support needs of these impacted participants, such as replacing essential assistive technology.

The National Contact Centre (NCC), a primary contact point for NDIS participants who require additional support, has notably formed a dedicated phone line specifically for those impacted by Cyclone Jasper. Shorten encouraged participants to utilise this line for further assistance, prioritising their safety by calling the NCC rather than risk travelling to NDIS offices amidst the chaotic aftermath. The NCC operates from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm. This dedicated line bolsters the capacity of the NCC to cater for support needs arising from natural disasters such as Cyclone Jasper.

Recently, the Insurance Council of Australia extended its insurance catastrophe declaration to encompass the storms experienced from the Christmas period into the New Year. The NDIA’s collaborations and the establishment of this dedicated phone line reinforces the Australian government’s commitment to support its NDIS participants during challenging times.