Representatives from the NSW and Commonwealth Ombudsman Offices presented about their roles and responsibilities in complaints handling with a specific focus on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The NSW Ombudsman office briefed Council members about their role in complaints handling related to NSW NDIS sites as well as other specialised areas of business which includes: Official Community Visitors, Aboriginal Unit, Community Education and Training, Youth Liaison, Public Interest Disclosures, and Secure Monitoring and Witness Protection. For more information please visit . Council members provided feedback about the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, how to improve the awareness of carers of complaints avenues (and other safeguards) and how to better connect with carers. The Commonwealth Ombudsman Office briefed Council members about their role and how they investigate complaints from people who believe they have been unfairly treated or unreasonably by an Australian Government agency (or a contracted service provider). The Office is working closely with the NDIA to handle NDIS complaints. For more information please visit It was beneficial for Council members to understand the different played by the NSW Ombudsman Office and Commonwealth Ombudsman Office and how both complaint handling bodies are working closely together in relation to the NDIS. Louise Farrell, Director, Priority Programs Unit, Health and Social Policy Branch, NSW Ministry of Health, presented the Council on NSW Health’s statewide planning for carers recognition and support. From the presentation the Council recognised how well NSW Health has worked towards ensuring staff have a greater awareness and understanding of the Act on the NSW Carers Charter principles and consult with carers, or carer organisations, on matters that impact on carers. Council members contributed positive feedback about the initiatives by the NSW Health. The next Carers Advisory Council meeting is scheduled on Monday 5 June 2017.
Representatives from the NSW and Commonwealth Ombudsman Offices presented about their roles and responsibilities in complaints handling with a specific focus on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The NSW Ombudsman office briefed Council members about their role in complaints handling related to NSW NDIS sites as well as other specialised areas of business which includes: Official Community Visitors, Aboriginal Unit, Community Education and Training, Youth Liaison, Public Interest Disclosures, and Secure Monitoring and Witness Protection. For more information please visit . Council members provided feedback about the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, how to improve the awareness of carers of complaints avenues (and other safeguards) and how to better connect with carers. The Commonwealth Ombudsman Office briefed Council members about their role and how they investigate complaints from people who believe they have been unfairly treated or unreasonably by an Australian Government agency (or a contracted service provider). The Office is working closely with the NDIA to handle NDIS complaints. For more information please visit It was beneficial for Council members to understand the different played by the NSW Ombudsman Office and Commonwealth Ombudsman Office and how both complaint handling bodies are working closely together in relation to the NDIS. Louise Farrell, Director, Priority Programs Unit, Health and Social Policy Branch, NSW Ministry of Health, presented the Council on NSW Health’s statewide planning for carers recognition and support. From the presentation the Council recognised how well NSW Health has worked towards ensuring staff have a greater awareness and understanding of the Act on the NSW Carers Charter principles and consult with carers, or carer organisations, on matters that impact on carers. Council members contributed positive feedback about the initiatives by the NSW Health. The next Carers Advisory Council meeting is scheduled on Monday 5 June 2017.
Communique-February-2017.docx