Category Archives: Legislation

NDIS Latest News 6 May 2021

Scheme reform update

There has been a lot of focus on the NDIS in recent weeks. 

The Hon Linda Reynolds has been appointed the new Minister for the NDIS and is taking the opportunity to consult further on Scheme reforms, including independent assessments, ahead of releasing draft changes to legislation. 

I’ve recorded a short video for participants, their families and carers, and the sector, to let you know where we are in terms of Scheme reforms and set a clear picture of what we’re working towards – ultimately, an affordable Scheme that supports participants to have more control over their supports and their lives.

Watch it on the NDIS website.

Article from ProBono Newsletter 6 May 2021

Advocates perplexed over government’s independent assessments plan

Disability advocates say they are confused by the federal government’s messaging around independent assessments, after National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Linda Reynolds confirmed the controversial reform will proceed in “some form” despite widespread opposition.

What’s the issue? Advocates say the government has been sending mixed messages about independent assessments (IAs) – a reform that would drastically change the process for determining NDIS eligibility. After swift backlash to the reform from disability groups, Minister Reynolds said two weeks ago that the government would pause its plan to introduce IAs. While this made disability groups hopeful the policy could be dumped, Reynolds told Senate Estimates on Monday that the introduction of IAs were still set to go ahead. Disability advocates are now in the dark about exactly when and how IAs will be rolled out. They are calling for the government to reset relations with the sector and ensure people with disability are put at the centre of NDIS decision-making.

https://mailchi.mp/probonoaustralia/indpendent-assessments?e=638c213cfb

NDIS Newsletter 22 April 2021

1800 800 110

Participant First: Help shape the NDIS

Sign up to join the Participant First Engagement Initiative

Want to provide your feedback to shape the future of the NDIS?

Our Participant First Engagement Initiative helps us connect with participants, families and carers to get your ideas on creating a better participant experience.

If you’d like to work with us on delivering a better scheme for all, we’d love to hear from you.
Learn more.

For more information you can access the newsletter via the link below:
https://mailchi.mp/ndis.gov.au/enewsletter_22_april2021_participant?e=88b89fb306

VMIAC Weekly Newsletter 22 April 2021

Just Saying!

From new consumer rights resources, to campaigns to change the future of Victoria’s mental health system. Keep reading to find out about this and more in this weeks VMIAC newsletter!

GET READY

Now what are they doing about us, without us? We’ll be calling on you next week to act! Keep an eye on our social…

Read More

To access the newsletter click on the link below:

Inner South Family and Friends Support Group Meeting 7.30pm Tuesday 8 October 2019

Guest Speaker Rohani Bixler Estate Planning Lawyer, with an interest in Carer Issues, Wills and Succession Planning for Carers of Individuals with Mental Health Issues will discuss:

“Ensuring the best of opportunities for our loved ones when we are no longer able to look after them”

Venue: Uniting (formerly Prahran Mission), 211 Chapel Street Prahran, between High Street and Prahran Town Hall

All welcome, no need to book. Light refreshments are available from 7.15pm. There is no charge, but a small donation towards supper is always appreciated.  Please come early, especially if coming for the first time.  You can contact our office on 9076 4722, or by email at isfaf@alfred.org.au, or by calling Judi directly on 0425 723 746 if you have any questions or difficulty with transport.

You can access more news about ISFAF via the link below:

ISFAF News October 2019

INNER SOUTH FAMILY AND FRIENDS 2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 7.00PM TUESDAY 9 JULY 2019

will be held at Uniting (formerly Prahran Mission) 211 Chapel Street Prahran, between High St and Prahran Town Hall
Free parking in Chapel Street or carpark behind JB Hi-Fi­­­­. Refreshments will be available from 6.45pm

The AGM will be immediately followed by ISFAF Monthly Support Group meeting  at 7.30pm

Our guest speaker is  THE HON MARTIN FOLEY, MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH,
MINISTER FOR EQUALITY, MINISTER FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Mental Health Act Amendment Act 2015

The Mental Health Amendment Act 2015 has made a number of amendments to the Mental Health Act 2014 to remove uncertainty and assist clinicians to deliver services consistent with the objectives and principles of the legislation. The Mental Health Amendment Act fully commenced on 25 November 2015.  See attached link for more information.

Information Sheet on Mental Health Amendment Act 2015

Victoria’s new Intake and Assessment Service

For the southern suburbs and Frankston/Peninsula regions call Neami National on 1300 379 462, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Eligibility criteria for Mental Health Community Support Services  (MHCSS) previously known as Psychiatric Disability Rehabilitation and Support Services (PDRSS) in the Central Bayside region:

  • aged 16-64 years
  • experiencing mental health issues
  • living within the Central Bayside region

Also experiencing difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

  • Mental health
  • Physical health and self care
  • Relationships
  • Addictive behaviour
  • Responsibilities
  • Identity and self esteem
  • Work
  • Social networks
  • Trust and hope
  • Living skills

Neami National is a community mental health service that supports people based on their values, strengths and goals.  Neami National has worked in improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities for over 27 years.  For more information go to www.neaminational.org.au/vicreforms, www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/pdrss-reform

 

 

 

Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Crimes (Mental Impairment and the Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Report

Thursday 21 August 2014

Government welcomes report on Crimes (Mental Impairment) Act

The Victorian Government has welcomed the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 Report which was tabled in Parliament today.

The Victorian Government asked the Commission to review the Act and report on what may be done to improve its operation.

Attorney-General Robert Clark said the Victorian Government would consider the Report’s 107 recommendations in detail.

“I would like to thank the Victorian Law Reform Commission for their comprehensive and informative report,” Mr Clark said.

“The report highlights a range of issues to help ensure people who may be unfit to plead are treated appropriately by the justice system and that the community is protected.

“The reforms suggested in this report include a range of legislative and procedural changes relevant to a range of government departments and agencies and all levels of courts.”

The report considers issues including the definition of mental impairment, the application of the Act in the Magistrates’ and Children’s courts, the process for determining fitness to stand trial and the operation of supervision orders.

“The Government is committed to ensuring those affected by mental impairment are treated justly and appropriately by the justice system while also ensuring that the community is properly safeguarded from the risk of further criminal acts,” Mr Clark said.

Mr Clark said the Victorian Government has already introduced legislation to amend the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act to provide the Children’s Court with power to hear cases where a child’s mental functioning is at issue.

“These changes relate to children who were mentally impaired at the time of an alleged offence or may be unfit to stand trial,” Mr Clark said.

“The changes will make specific provision for the Children’s Court to hear these cases and to make appropriate orders, thus avoiding the need for these cases to be transferred unnecessarily to the higher courts.

“These changes were introduced ahead of the VLRC’s report to enable the issues with the current law to be resolved. The Government will now consider whether any further changes should be made to provisions relating to children in light of the VLRC’s report.”

Mary Wooldridge MP
State Member for Doncaster
Minister for Mental Health
Minister for Community Services
Minister for Disability Services and Reform

2/1020 Doncaster Road
Doncaster East 3109
ph) 9841 5166
mary.wooldridge@parliament.vic.gov.au
www.marywooldridge.com
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