As part of the committee’s role to inquire into the implementation, performance and governance of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the committee will inquire into and report on independent assessments, with particular reference to:

1. the development, modelling, reasons and justifications for the introduction of independent assessments into the NDIS;
2. the impact of similar policies in other jurisdictions and in the provision of other government services;
3. the human and financial resources needed to effectively implement independent assessments;
4. the independence, qualifications, training, expertise and quality assurance of assessors;
5. the appropriateness of the assessment tools selected for use in independent assessments to determine plan funding;
6. the implications of independent assessments for access to and eligibility for the NDIS;
7. the implications of independent assessments for NDIS planning, including decisions related to funding reasonable and necessary supports;
8. the circumstances in which a person may not be required to complete an independent assessment;
9. opportunities to review or challenge the outcomes of independent assessments;
10. the appropriateness of independent assessments for particular cohorts of people with disability, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from regional, rural and remote areas, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; 
11. the appropriateness of independent assessments for people with particular disability types, including psychosocial disability; and
12. any other related matters

The closing date for submissions is 31 March 2021. Please get in touch if you need an extension of time.