The recent passing of the 2024 NDIS Amendment Bill marks a pivotal moment for advocacy efforts as the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) undergoes significant changes that impact both service delivery and funding models. The College is actively engaged in several initiatives to address these changes and advocate for the needs of clients and psychiatrists.

1. The College is attending Mental Health Australia’s Psychosocial Network Meeting to advocate for the importance of comprehensive support systems for mental health.

2. The College has contributed to the NDIS Review Submissions, ensuring that the voices of psychiatrists and their clients are heard in the reform process.
3. The College is engaging with the Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS to influence the implementation of the new NDIS rules.
4. The College is being represented in National Mental Health Sector Reference Group sessions that co-design new NDIS rules, ensuring that mental health considerations are integral to the new framework.
5. The College recently provided a submission for the National Roadmap to Improve the Health and Mental Health of Autistic People Consultation draft being conducted with DoHAC that emphasised reforms to reduce out-of-pocket costs for clients seeking intellectual and developmental disability support.