By convenor |

Subject: Participants, Process and Platform (3P) improvement initiative
Date: Fri, 26 Aug 2022 11:53:40 +1000
From: Bob Buckley (A4 Convenor) <convenor@a4.org.au>
To: <XXX@ndis.gov.au>

Hi XXX

I am concerned that I don't (yet?) see really basic design goals being stated for your PACE project. I would hope that the system is designed to:

  1. collect, maintain and provide appropriate access to the relevant information for NDIS participants
  2. ensure private information will be safe and secure
  3. provide participant access via MyGov (or an equivalent)
  4. deliver a website and information that is completely accessible for all people with disability
  5. ensure participants have access to their data and can correct any errors or omission
  6. allow agency staff to see all (the same) participant information when engaging with a participant on the phone, video, etc.
  7. identify and highlight exceptions, inconsistencies and anomalies in the data
  8. support comprehensive and flexible reporting from the data
  9. provide participants access to all their planning and payment information
  10. provide appropriate access to participant's information for all their parents, carers and guardians
  11. keep record history so that research and data analysis can inform properly the development of policy and programs
  12. etc.

I'm interested to see what other goals the redevelopment has.

For example, it would record the full diagnosis details for autistic NDIS participants. This would include all the elements of the diagnosis described in the DSM-5 or ICD-11. This includes all co-morbid conditions. It would record who did the diagnoses and when.

How will the transition from SAP CRM to PACE be done?

Does the PACE system link expenditure to goals? How is this monitored and reported at both the individual and systemic levels?

I'm not sure about "A key design principle has been to minimise changes for participants and providers". There are major changes that I'd like to see, and that participants expect. These should not be prevented by any "design principle".

I'm OK with staged release of funding in long term plans provided it is reasonably and appropriately flexible.

Will there be a workflow approach to access and planning? Will the system walk people through the process, collecting required information as it goes, and show what is still needed.

I have some questions.

  1. will the system provide a TSP (or equivalent) for each participant? Will we see it? Will this part of the system be co-designed?
  2. will the system have a provider finder component?
  3. will the system support emergencies and unscheduled variations?
  4. will the system better support Informal Carers?
  5. will there be more flexibility in transport and travel supports?
  6. how will the system ensure people have certainty that their proposed purchases are eligible?

--

Bob Buckley
Convenor, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4)
website: https://a4.org.au/

Note: as yet, A4 has not received a response to this email.