NDIS Reform Advisory Group Pushes Back I-CAN Tool Rollout

0:00It's April 17th, Sydney News, today starts now, AI-powered and ready. The National Disability Insurance Scheme's own advisory group is pushing the federal government to hit pause on a big change set for July 1st. The NDIS Reform Advisory Committee, made up of disability reps from around the country, says the new support planning tool called ICANN shouldn't roll. Out until at least October 1st, they want more time for testing, development, and real public input to avoid any messy slip-ups. This comes as part of water reforms by the Albany's government to rein in the Scheme's rapid growth, which is now costing $50 billion a year. The ICANN tool shifts from doctor reports to in-person assessments, where an interviewer plugs info into an algorithm that spits out a budget for, approval. Disability advocates are calling the system RoboPlanning, similar to stuff in aged care, and they're relieved by the delay call. Emma Binison from the Disability Advocacy Network says it makes total sense since key

1:03pieces are still missing, and rushing could hurt participants. Rights and safety, the pace of all these changes is wearing everyone out. Minutes from the committee's March meeting just dropped, over a month late, unlike their usual same-day release. They've also urged better provider registration rules based on risk levels. Small trials with 30 participants are underway, and the minister notes the tools been used in care for 20 years. With NDIS minister Jenny McAllister staying quiet for now, and health minister Mark Butler's speech, looming next week, expect more tweaks to cut costs. Ahead of the May budget, this delay push highlights the tightrope between reform and getting a right for those who need it most.