We’ve finally cracked the code on our fancy new newsletter (yay us!) and it’s live on our snazzy new website! 🎉 Who knew we had such hidden tech skills? And just in time too, because there’s been a flurry of NDIS™️ news and community updates you won’t want to miss! We hope you love the fresh look—because we sure do! 😎
Dive in and let us know what you think!
Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes
In This Issue:
- NDIS™️ Reform Update: Key changes rolling out from October.
- Our Awards Celebration: We're proud finalists in the Australian Women's Small Business Awards 2024 and the Accessible Futures Awards 2024!
- Paralympic Highlights: Aussie athletes shine at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
- NDIS™️ Fraud Taskforce Success: Criminal convictions and safeguarding updates.
- Disability Royal Commission: Government response breakdown—what’s funded and what’s still in review.
- NDIS™️ software that helps increase compliance towards increasing child safety.
- Whole Warrior Network launches Growth Warrior Coaching Program
Read on for the full details!
NDIS Reform Bill 2024 Receives Royal Assent
In case you’ve been living under a rock ... The Australian Parliament has passed the NDIS™️ Amendment Bill 2024 (yes, it’s big news!), and it’s all happening from 3 October 2024! The changes are designed to make things better for participants, with clearer eligibility checks, better fraud prevention, and sharper budget management tools. However, with huge budget cuts, some supports will be dropped. Providers, get ready to align with the new rules—it’s compliance time!
One day prior to the bill ascending, Bill Shorten, the NDIS minister resigned from politics! After an effective publicity campaign to disparage all NDIS providers, he's off to become Vice Chancelor at a prominent University in Canberra for a measly $1,000,000 per annum salary. He will stay in office as NDIS™️ Minister until February 2025 to implement the initial reforms and move parts of the budget over to state based foundational supports. We thank him for starting the NDIS™️ and for his service. 🌟
NDIS™️ Fraud Taskforce
In recent weeks, the NDIS™️ Fraud Taskforce has been active in cracking down on criminal activities within the scheme. Several high-profile investigations have led to multiple convictions, particularly involving fraudulent providers who were found guilty of misusing NDIS™️ funds. The Taskforce, set up by the government, has ramped up efforts to safeguard participants’ funding, with Minister Bill Shorten emphasising a zero-tolerance approach to fraud. These operations have uncovered millions in fraudulent claims, protecting vulnerable Australians and ensuring the integrity of the NDIS™️ remains intact (Home)(Ability Assist).
Stay updated on how these changes may affect NDIS™️ providers and participants moving forward.
Tip: NDIS™️ logo promotional rules and trademark guidelines
Voice to Parliament Heats Up: Big debates and bold reforms shake up Australian politics
In broader political news, the Voice to Parliament referendum has continued to dominate headlines, with ongoing debates about its potential impact on Indigenous communities and Australia’s future policies (9news). Additionally, the federal government has pushed forward with reforms, including increased oversight on union activities and a continued focus on economic recovery measures (9news).
This news provides important context for NDIS providers, as legislative changes and task force activities may affect compliance and operational guidelines.
Tasmania Passes Disability Rights Bill
Tasmania’s Legislative Council passed the Disability Rights, Inclusion, and Safeguarding Bill 2024, introducing the role of a Disability Commissioner and creating a Disability Inclusion Advisory Council. These reforms promote a rights-based, person-centred approach to disability inclusion, aligning with UN standards.
Youth Detention Reform Needed
A recent death in Western Australia's youth detention system has intensified calls for reform, particularly around the use of solitary confinement for children with disabilities. Advocates are demanding more trauma-informed care to prevent future tragedies.
Government’s Limited Funding Response to Disability Royal Commission
While the Australian Government has responded to the Disability Royal Commission, and only a fraction of the 222 recommendations will receive immediate funding. Commitments include $3.7 million for the Primary Care Enhancement Program, but broader reforms like the expansion of the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health remain unfunded.
In summary:
- Only 13 of 222 recommendations were fully accepted.
- 117 recommendations were accepted in principle, meaning the government supports the intentions but may implement them differently.
- 6 recommendations were noted, without immediate acceptance or rejection.
- 36 recommendations are still under consideration and require further stakeholder engagement before decisions are made.
Although some key recommendations, like the creation of a Disability Rights Act, were not fully accepted, the government has committed to reforms in areas such as healthcare and workplace protections. However, the response has drawn criticism from advocacy groups for lacking concrete timelines and funding for many crucial reforms. (DSS)
Child Protection in Focus After Notorious Childcare Worker Conviction for Paedophilia
The conviction of a notorious Queensland childcare worker for multiple charges of child sexual abuse has reignited the conversation around child protection. Experts stress the need for stronger safeguards and education on protective behaviours and UN Child Rights Charter with a focus on safety.
NDIS™️ specific software Shiftcare gives NDIS providers the heads up when staff on roster are working with children and their verification checks need renewal. In NSW we call them Working With Children Checks (WWCC). Need robust software that will grow with your business and compliance needs? Get a free trial and 30% discount on Shiftcare with our link*. Just quote the code 30warrior3 to get your discount. It's a great time to organise your compliance and software stack. Check out our other recommended tools here*.
Aged Care Reforms Announced
New aged care reforms focus on improving care quality and addressing staffing shortages. The government is investing in home care packages and raising standards for residential care facilities, as recommended by the Aged Care Royal Commission.
We’re Proud Finalists x 2!
Whole Warrior Solutions were finalists in the national Australian Women's Small Business Awards 2024 for our Community Services work! 🏆 Sure, the trophy didn't come home, but our giant photo sure did—sorry, we’re still figuring out the resize button on this new platform! 😅 But hey, why not keep it big and bold? After all, we run a private therapy practice and facilitate 13+ Facebook groups?
Our community groups include: the national Foster Carers' Network with 2,931 members who are very active in the online support group, the Australian Warrior Women group for survivors of coercive control, and of course our Whole Warrior Network groups for our NDIS™️ collective in every state and territory with a following on our socials and combined membership over 42,577 and growing).
We're really connecting with carers, survivors, people with disabilities and peak bodies. We celebrated our hard work and recognition as a finalist on the awards night with thousands of colleagues at Star City, Sydney, on 24 August 2024. We’re beyond grateful to be recognised for empowering vulnerable communities and standing strong in our fight against human trafficking.
Whole Warrior Solutions has also been recognised locally as a finalist in the Accessible Futures Awards for the districts Central Coast and Newcastle NSW. This recognition is for Excellence in Disability Services for our private practice therapy, recovery coaching and capacity building services. The real stars are all our clients. Good luck to all the finalists for the presentations to be held at Mingara Recreation Centre on 30 November 2024 hosted by NDIS provider Making Footprints.
Good News Story: Australia Shines in the 2024 Paralympics!
Did you know that the Olympic Games were originally held as a religious festival in honour of the Greek god Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods? The ancient Olympics, believed to have started in 776 BC in Olympia, Greece, were a way for the Greeks to showcase physical prowess while worshipping Zeus through athletic competitions. Who knew?
Australia has once again shown its Paralympic spirit at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, bringing home a record number of medals 🥇 Standout performances include Ellie Cole, who has continued her swimming dominance, and Dylan Alcott, who made an impressive showing in wheelchair tennis. These athletes not only bring pride to the nation but also inspire countless individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Introducing the Growth Warrior Coaching Program!
Looking to grow your disability business? Our Growth Warrior Coaching Program runs for six months duration. It helps entrepreneurs refine strategies, scale growth, and maximise impact.
👉 Watch the video and learn more
👉 Explore our business coaching programs
You're worth your weight in gold!
Dani Domjan, IHelpU, Registered NDIS Provider
You have been the most consistent mentor Tania. All my other mentors in the NDIS field have disappeared and no longer exist!
Registered NDIS Provider
You're Invited!
We’re excited to invite you to our monthly interagency meeting held within our exclusive Warrior Community group where we’ll dive into the latest NDIS reforms and what they mean for you and your business. With so many changes happening, this is your chance to stay ahead, learn from others, and keep your business thriving!
🗓 Next meeting:
Tuesday 1 October 2024
10 am - 11:15 am AEST (Sydney time)
We’ll also be wrapping up the meeting with some awesome marketing tips in a group coaching format, because who doesn’t love actionable insights? Plus, support during times of reform is crucial for both mental health and entrepreneurial wellbeing. We’ve got your back through all the ups and downs—so don’t miss out!
Come join us and feel the Warrior spirit! 💪
What a month! There has been a lot happening in the disability field with more to come. We'd love to hear your comments and thoughts by return email or via our live newsletter landing page comments.
Yours in Warrior Spirit,
The Whole Warrior Network Team
www.wholewarriornetwork.com.au
A community development project by www.wholewarriorsolutions.com.au
Just a heads up: the info in this newsletter is for general purposes only. We do our best to share reliable content, but make sure to do your own research and think about how it might impact you or your business before taking any action! This newsletter contains an *affiliate links and we may earn small commission from your purchases. We thank you for supporting our small business. 💕
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