Red tape buster a breakthrough for NDIS small businesses: Ombudsman

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said small businesses delivering disability support services will have less red tape to deal with, now the Federal Government has simplified the NDIS provider registration and audit process.

“The Federal Government has heard our concerns about the disproportionate regulatory burden on some small business NDIS providers and implemented our recommendations accordingly,” Ms Carnell said.

“These welcome changes will particularly benefit small businesses delivering lower risk services such as therapies, home modifications and specialist equipment.

“Importantly the simplified registration process will not reduce safeguards for NDIS participants," she said.

“We welcome certification audit requirement changes that will come into effect from 1 January 2020, and be based on the level of risk associated with the services provided to participants, rather than whether or not they are an incorporated provider.

“This is a win for the lion’s share of NDIS providers who are small businesses, especially those in fields such as speech pathology, occupational therapy and assistive therapy," Ms Carnell said.

“We know small and family businesses have been struggling with the time and costs associated with being an NDIS service provider – audit costs to maintain accreditation were a major contributing factor.

“Small providers don’t have dedicated and separate administration teams to comply with government requirements.

“These changes ensure small businesses can get on with doing what they do best – providing vital NDIS services and growing their business.” 

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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