The issue about who controls the services for vulnerable people is very significant.
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Overview
The Productivity Commission in 2011 proposed the NDIS for disabled people, giving them the choice of service provider and direct control of the money. It was the person-centred approach being played out in real terms. Before the NDIS, disabled people had to beg from service providers who received funding directly from government. The Productivity Commission said it was “unfair and inefficient” and that when disabled people chose the services it was three times as effective. Advocacy for consumers follows that empowerment, whether disabled physically, mentally or socially such as for prisoners. They can choose their providers and link their voices to the services they choose.
In prisons and locked hospitals even more taxpayer money is spent for services intended to benefit those people who are isolated inside the institutions. The National Mental Health Commission said that the costs were up to $1m a person a year. For prisoners it averages $100,000. But the physical and social isolation for those in custody means that it is all wasted money as they are treated with contempt by the service providers. Health, legal and education services are theirs by right but are useless in practice. Corruption and contempt are standard whilst resting in a hot political area of major public concern.
The Our Pick Report proposed a solution. Justice Action calls upon all service providers to work with us for change.
Changing the Driver: National Disability Insurance Scheme
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