We don't know whether the most recent response to this request contains information or not – if you are David Wright please sign in and let everyone know.

External review of NDIA FOI 24/25-0592

We're waiting for David Wright to read a recent response and update the status.

Dear Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,

I hereby request an external review from the Office of the Australian Commissioner (OAIC) of the NDIA's response to my FoI request 24/25-0592 - see https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/t...

I have been refused access to the entirety of the 13 documents for the following stated reasons:

1. Documents 1-13 are said to contain information relating to certain operations of the NDIA, specifically: Internal guidance given to staff in relation to the quantum of supports to include within a participant’s plan in determining the level of supports a participant may require.
2. The disclosure of this information would reveal methodologies the NDIA uses to assist in determining levels of support provided to NDIS participants, which is to better ensure that participants receive supports that are reasonable and necessary.
3. Any disclosure resulting in the prejudice of the effectiveness of the Agency’s operational methods and procedures would, or could reasonably be expected to, result in the need for the Agency to change those methods and procedures to ensure the future effectiveness and sustainability of the Agency and the Scheme.
4. The release of this information would potentially result in the public disclosure of internal methodologies that, through improper use, would, or could, lead to a distortion of funding levels that would substantially and adversely affect the integrity of the NDIS and its financial sustainability.
5. Should the materials be available as public documents, there is a risk that the circumstances described in these articles, that resulted in a positive determination for the requested funded supports, can be utilised as a threshold criterion to meet reasonable and necessary criteria. This may enable providers to manipulate their justifications / recommendations for prescribed supports or levels of support for participants to indicate they are likely to be reasonable and necessary for the NDIS to fund. This may significantly compromise the integrity and financial sustainability of the scheme.
6. Disclosure could reasonably be expected to prejudice the ability of the Agency to provide guidance to staff and to decision makers in classifying applicants based on support needs in order to comply with their obligations and make informed decisions in relation to the quantum of funding to add to each reasonable and necessary support, which, in turn, helps to ensure the financial stability and integrity of the NDIS.

I dispute these reasons, and seek that OAIC conducts an external review, on the following grounds:

1. The NDIA provides no reasoning or evidence to support its claim that disclosure would result in the prejudice of the effectiveness of the Agency’s operational methods and procedures.
2. The NDIA provdes no reasoning or evidence to support its claim that such disclosure would, or could reasonably be expected to, result in the need for the Agency to change those methods and procedures to ensure the future effectiveness and sustainability of the Agency and the Scheme.
3. The NDIA provides no reasoning or evidence to support its claim that "improper use" would, or could, lead to a distortion of funding levels that would substantially and adversely affect the integrity of the NDIS and its financial sustainability. It does not provide any examples of what might constitute "improper use", other than assumed fradulent activity by providers (see point 4 below).
4. The NDIA provides no reasoning or evidence as to how providers would or could use the information to 'manipulate their justifications / recommendations for prescribed supports or levels of support for participants to indicate they are likely to be reasonable and necessary for the NDIS to fund.' Such a statement presuposes a level of dishonesty by providers, implying they will intentionally provide false or fraudulent information to the NDIA (and also potentially the Administrative Review Tribunal). This would not only be illegal, but also contrary to these providers' professional codes of conduct/ethics. There is no valid basis for such an assumption that many (if any) providers would do this.
5. There already exists a large body of informatiion in the public realm, which is accessible to providers, explaining threshold criteria to meet reasonable and necessary supports, including guidelines and other materials published by the NDIA on its website (e.g. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-nd...). There also exist a multitude of Administrative Appeal Tribunal/Administrative Review Tribunal published decisions providing judicial guidance on these threshold criteria. There is no evidence that providers presently 'manipulate' this information so as to result in a distortion of funding levels, which substantially and adversely affects the integrity of the NDIS and its financial sustainability. If the agency was really concened about providers manipulating this information, it would remove this guidance material from its website. But it has not done so.
6. For all the reasons set out above, there is no basis for the claim that disclosure could reasonably be expected to prejudice the ability of the Agency to provide guidance to staff and to decision makers in classifying applicants based on support needs in order to comply with their obligations and make informed decisions in relation to the quantum of funding to add to each reasonable and necessary support, which, in turn, helps to ensure the financial stability and integrity of the NDIS.

Yours faithfully,
David Wright

OAIC - FOI, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Your email has been received by the Office of Australian Information
Commissioner (OAIC).

 

FOI requests to the OAIC

 

Please note that this email address is only used for making requests to
obtain access to a document held by the OAIC pursuant to the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act). We will only action and respond to
emails making FOI requests to the OAIC. For information on how to make an
FOI request to the OAIC, and to ensure that your request complies with the
requirements of the FOI Act, please refer to the FOI page on the OAIC’s
website at:
[1]https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/access-...
Once your request has been assessed by the OAIC, and registered on our
system, a separate acknowledgement email will be sent to you with a
reference number.

 

The OAIC does not hold all documents of other Commonwealth government
agencies, other state government agencies, or private organisations.

 

Accordingly:

1)       if you are seeking to access documents of a particular
Commonwealth agency, you will need to make your request directly to the
relevant agency. For example, if you are requesting a copy of your visa
records, please make an FOI request and send it to the Department of Home
Affairs.

2)       if you are seeking to access documents of a state or local
government agency, as each Australian state and territory also have
separate FOI legislation that governs information held by state government
agencies, please contact the relevant agency as to how to make an
application to access the documents. For example, if you are seeking
access to police report from NSW Police Force, it is governed by the
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPA Act), and you
will need to contact NSW police to find out how to make a GIPA application
for the police report.

3)       if you are seeking to access documents of a private organization,
which the FOI Act does not apply to, please contact the organization
directly to find out how to access the documents you are seeking. For
example, if you are seeking to access to hospital records or your medical
centre records, please contact these organisations directly. 

 

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If your email relates to any of the following, please utilise our online
forms instead, which are available at
[2]https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/contact...

-               Enquiry

-               Privacy Complaint

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-               FOI Complaint

-               Freedom of Information Review

-               Agency FOI Extension of Time Requests

-               Speech requests.

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
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References

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1. https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/access-...
2. https://www.oaic.gov.au/about-us/contact...

OAIC - FOI DR, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Our reference: MR25/00136
Agency reference: FOI 24/25-0592

Applicant: David Wright
Respondent: National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [FOI #12747 email]

Your Information Commissioner review application

Good afternoon David,

On 18 January 2025, you applied for Information Commissioner review (IC review) about a Freedom of Information (FOI) decision made by the respondent referenced at the top of this email.

Why we are writing to you:

We have received, and are currently considering, your application for IC review.

Please note paragraph 2.7 the Direction as to certain procedures to be followed by applicants in Information Commissioner reviews advises:

‘An application for IC review must be made in writing and should be made online using the Information Commissioner Review Application form available on the OAIC website.’

In future, and to avoid any delays with manual registration, please use our online webform.

Assistance

Please note: You can withdraw an IC review application at any time. There is no penalty if you do this. You can also lodge a new FOI request to the Agency at any time.
If you require assistance regarding this email, please contact us at [email address].

Please quote the reference MR25/00136 in all correspondence.

Kind regards,
Alex
Intake and Eligibility Branch
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Sydney | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001
P: 1300 363 992
W: Enquiry form

The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay our respect to First Nations people, cultures and Elders past and present.

Subscribe to Information Matters

show quoted sections

OAIC - FOI DR, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

6 Attachments

Our reference:  MR25/00136

Agency/Minister reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

  

FOI Contact Officer  

National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [1][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [2][FOI #12747 email]

 

   

Information Commissioner review - Notice of commencement 

 

   

Dear Parties,  

  

Please find attached notice of commencement for the above referenced
Information Commissioner review (IC review).   

  

As outlined in the notice, it appears that the National Disability
Insurance Agency’s decision dated 17 January 2025, was not made within the
statutory timeframe. As such, the IC reviewable decision remains the
National Disability Insurance Agency’s deemed access refusal decision of
12 December 2024. The purported decision, taken to be a submission, cannot
be considered a variation of an access refusal decision under s 55G of the
FOI Act. Should the National Disability Insurance Agency decide to grant
access during the IC review process, this must be made in accordance with
s 55G of the FOI Act.   

   

The OAIC requires the agency to engage with applicants to resolve or
narrow the issues in dispute. Applicants are encouraged to actively
communicate with the agency to facilitate this engagement. 

 

Please note, Annexure A and B of the notice provide further information
about the obligations of parties during the IC review process.   

  

Kind regards, 

 

[3][IMG]   Ishraq Quashem

Casework Support Officer

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Sydney | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001

P 1300 363 992  E [4][email address]
 
The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across
Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and
communities. We pay our respect to First Nations people,
cultures and Elders past and present.  

 

[5]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

 

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
3. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
4. mailto:[email address]
5. https://www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/n...

6 Attachments

Your reference:  MR25/00136

Our reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

  

OAIC

By email: [1][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [2][FOI #12747 email]

 

Dear Ishraq,

 

Thank you for your email requesting submissions in relation to this
matter.

 

To support our submissions, we have consulted with staff in our Legal team
for assistance. They are currently reviewing the matter and have requested
additional time to provide their response.

 

As a result, we kindly request an extension of time to provide our
submissions to 3 April 2025.

 

This will enable us with the additional time to review legal’s advice,
then consult with the original business units and draft comprehensive
submissions.

 

Thank you for considering our request.

 

If you require any further information, please let us know.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sussan

Senior Freedom of Information Officer

Complaints Management & FOI

Governance, Risk & Legal – Government Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [3][email address]

 

[4]NDIA logo

[5]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

[6]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic

 

 

From: OAIC - FOI DR <[7][email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 6 February 2025 10:39 AM
To: David Wright <[8][FOI #12747 email]>; foi
<[9][email address]>
Subject: OAIC – Response due 20 March 2025 - MR25/00136 - Notice of
Information Commissioner review – Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592
[SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Our reference:  MR25/00136

Agency/Minister reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

  

FOI Contact Officer  

National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [10][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [11][FOI #12747 email]

 

   

Information Commissioner review - Notice of commencement 

 

   

Dear Parties,  

  

Please find attached notice of commencement for the above referenced
Information Commissioner review (IC review).   

  

As outlined in the notice, it appears that the National Disability
Insurance Agency’s decision dated 17 January 2025, was not made within the
statutory timeframe. As such, the IC reviewable decision remains the
National Disability Insurance Agency’s deemed access refusal decision of
12 December 2024. The purported decision, taken to be a submission, cannot
be considered a variation of an access refusal decision under s 55G of the
FOI Act. Should the National Disability Insurance Agency decide to grant
access during the IC review process, this must be made in accordance with
s 55G of the FOI Act.   

   

The OAIC requires the agency to engage with applicants to resolve or
narrow the issues in dispute. Applicants are encouraged to actively
communicate with the agency to facilitate this engagement. 

 

Please note, Annexure A and B of the notice provide further information
about the obligations of parties during the IC review process.   

  

Kind regards, 

 

[12][IMG]   Ishraq Quashem

Casework Support Officer

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Sydney | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001

P 1300 363 992  E [13][email address]
 
The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across
Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and
communities. We pay our respect to First Nations people,
cultures and Elders past and present.  

 

[14]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

 

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments.

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
3. mailto:[email address]
5. https://intranet.ndiastaff.ndia.gov.au/h...
7. mailto:[email address]
8. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
9. mailto:[email address]
10. mailto:[email address]
11. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
12. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
13. mailto:[email address]
14. https://www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/n...

OAIC - FOI DR, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

10 Attachments

Our reference:  MR25/00136

Your reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

 

 

Good afternoon, Sussan

 

We apologise for the delay in responding to your request for an extension
of time and confirm an extension until 3 April 2025 is granted.

 

Kind regards

[1][IMG]   Rachel McCormack

A/g Assistant Director | Early
Resolution

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information  
Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[2]oaic.gov.au

1300 363 992  | 
[3][email address]
[4][IMG] | [5][IMG] | [6][IMG] |   [7]Subscribe to OAICnet
newsletter

 

 

 

The OAIC has revised its IC review procedure directions from 1 July 2024.
For more information, including new resources to assist applicants and
respondents, see our webpage: [8]Information Commissioner reviews.

 

 

The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia
and their continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay
our respect to First Nations people, cultures and Elders past and present.

[9]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

From: foi <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 25 February 2025 11:33 AM
To: OAIC - FOI DR <[email address]>
Cc: foi <[email address]>; '[FOI #12747 email]'
<[FOI #12747 email]>
Subject: RE: OAIC – Response due 20 March 2025 - MR25/00136 - Notice of
Information Commissioner review – Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592
[SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.

 

Your reference:  MR25/00136

Our reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

  

OAIC

By email: [10][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [11][FOI #12747 email]

 

Dear Ishraq,

 

Thank you for your email requesting submissions in relation to this
matter.

 

To support our submissions, we have consulted with staff in our Legal team
for assistance. They are currently reviewing the matter and have requested
additional time to provide their response.

 

As a result, we kindly request an extension of time to provide our
submissions to 3 April 2025.

 

This will enable us with the additional time to review legal’s advice,
then consult with the original business units and draft comprehensive
submissions.

 

Thank you for considering our request.

 

If you require any further information, please let us know.

 

Kind regards,

 

Sussan

Senior Freedom of Information Officer

Complaints Management & FOI

Governance, Risk & Legal – Government Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [12][email address]

 

[13]NDIA logo

[14]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

[15]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic

 

 

From: OAIC - FOI DR <[16][email address]>
Sent: Thursday, 6 February 2025 10:39 AM
To: David Wright <[17][FOI #12747 email]>; foi
<[18][email address]>
Subject: OAIC – Response due 20 March 2025 - MR25/00136 - Notice of
Information Commissioner review – Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592
[SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Our reference:  MR25/00136

Agency/Minister reference:  FOI 24/25-0592

  

FOI Contact Officer  

National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [19][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [20][FOI #12747 email]

 

   

Information Commissioner review - Notice of commencement 

 

   

Dear Parties,  

  

Please find attached notice of commencement for the above referenced
Information Commissioner review (IC review).   

  

As outlined in the notice, it appears that the National Disability
Insurance Agency’s decision dated 17 January 2025, was not made within the
statutory timeframe. As such, the IC reviewable decision remains the
National Disability Insurance Agency’s deemed access refusal decision of
12 December 2024. The purported decision, taken to be a submission, cannot
be considered a variation of an access refusal decision under s 55G of the
FOI Act. Should the National Disability Insurance Agency decide to grant
access during the IC review process, this must be made in accordance with
s 55G of the FOI Act.   

   

The OAIC requires the agency to engage with applicants to resolve or
narrow the issues in dispute. Applicants are encouraged to actively
communicate with the agency to facilitate this engagement. 

 

Please note, Annexure A and B of the notice provide further information
about the obligations of parties during the IC review process.   

  

Kind regards, 

 

[21][IMG]   Ishraq Quashem

Casework Support Officer

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Sydney | GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001

P 1300 363 992  E [22][email address]
 
The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across
Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and
communities. We pay our respect to First Nations people,
cultures and Elders past and present.  

 

[23]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

 

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments.

show quoted sections

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
attachments.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
2. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
3. mailto:[email address]
4. http://www.facebook.com/OAICgov
5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-...
6. https://twitter.com/OAICgov
7. https://www.oaic.gov.au/media-and-speech...
8. https://www.oaic.gov.au/freedom-of-infor...
9. https://www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/n...
10. mailto:[email address]
11. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
12. mailto:[email address]
14. https://intranet.ndiastaff.ndia.gov.au/h...
16. mailto:[email address]
17. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
18. mailto:[email address]
19. mailto:[email address]
20. mailto:[FOI #12747 email]
21. https://www.oaic.gov.au/
22. mailto:[email address]
23. https://www.oaic.gov.au/engage-with-us/n...

Dear OAIC - FOI DR,

The extension of time granted to 3 April 2025 has now lapsed.

Yours sincerely,
David Wright

2 Attachments

Dear David Wright,

I am writing to provide you with an update on your matter MR25/00136 that
is currently under Information Commissioner review.

 

The NDIA has considered the decision under review and has determined that
it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G of the Freedom
of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, I have requested an extension
of time from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
until 22 May 2025.

 

I have included the correspondence sent to the OAIC below. Please note I
have removed staff last names and email addresses for privacy reasons.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [1][email address]

[2]NDIA logo

[3]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

 

From: foi <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 3:56 PM
To: OAIC - FOI DR <[email address]>
Cc: foi <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Rachel,

MR25/00136 – Application for an Extension of Time

We refer to the Notice of IC review and request for documents of 6
February 2025 (Notice), requiring the NDIA to complete the engagement with
the applicant and share its submissions with the OAIC and the applicant
and to provide the relevant documents to OAIC by 20 March 2025.

The NDIA acknowledges that it has not been able to meet the above
timeframe and apologises to OAIC and to the applicant. The NDIA confirms
it has given further consideration to the decision under review and has
determined that it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G
of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, the NDIA respectfully requests
that the compliance date in the Notice be amended to Thursday 22 May 2025.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [4][email address]

[5]NDIA logo

[6]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

show quoted sections

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
3. https://intranet.ndiastaff.ndia.gov.au/h...
4. mailto:[email address]
6. https://intranet.ndiastaff.ndia.gov.au/h...

OAIC - FOI DR, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

9 Attachments

OAIC reference: MR25/00136

Agency reference: FOI 24/25-0592

 

Good afternoon, Mr Wright,

 

The National Disability Insurance Agency has requested an extension of
time until 22 May 2025 to enable them to make a revised decision on your
FOI request. (See email below)

 

We would be grateful if you could reply to this email before 28 April 2025
and advise us if you have any concerns with this timeframe.  

 

Kind regards

[1][IMG]   Rachel McCormack

A/g Assistant Director | Early
Resolution

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information  
Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[2]oaic.gov.au

1300 363 992  | 
[3][email address]
[4][IMG] | [5][IMG] | [6][IMG] |   [7]Subscribe to OAICnet
newsletter

 

 

 

The OAIC has revised its IC review procedure directions from 1 July 2024.
For more information, including new resources to assist applicants and
respondents, see our webpage: [8]Information Commissioner reviews.

 

 

The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia
and their continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay
our respect to First Nations people, cultures and Elders past and present.

[9]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

From: foi <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 4:52 PM
To: [FOI #12747 email]
Cc: foi <[email address]>; OAIC - FOI DR <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.

 

Dear David Wright,

I am writing to provide you with an update on your matter MR25/00136 that
is currently under Information Commissioner review.

 

The NDIA has considered the decision under review and has determined that
it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G of the Freedom
of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, I have requested an extension
of time from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
until 22 May 2025.

 

I have included the correspondence sent to the OAIC below. Please note I
have removed staff last names and email addresses for privacy reasons.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [10][email address]

[11]NDIA logo

[12]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

 

From: foi <[13][email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 3:56 PM
To: OAIC - FOI DR <[14][email address]>
Cc: foi <[15][email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Rachel,

MR25/00136 – Application for an Extension of Time

We refer to the Notice of IC review and request for documents of 6
February 2025 (Notice), requiring the NDIA to complete the engagement with
the applicant and share its submissions with the OAIC and the applicant
and to provide the relevant documents to OAIC by 20 March 2025.

The NDIA acknowledges that it has not been able to meet the above
timeframe and apologises to OAIC and to the applicant. The NDIA confirms
it has given further consideration to the decision under review and has
determined that it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G
of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, the NDIA respectfully requests
that the compliance date in the Notice be amended to Thursday 22 May 2025.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [16][email address]

[17]NDIA logo

[18]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

show quoted sections

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
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Dear Rachel

I doubt whether expressing any concerns over the timeframe would make any difference. In my expreience, the agency regularly fails to meet whatever timeframe extension it is given to it.

Yours sincerely,
David Wright

OAIC - FOI DR, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

9 Attachments

OAIC reference: MR25/00136

Agency reference: FOI 24/25-0592

 

National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [FOI #12747 email]

 

Good afternoon, Karla

 

Given the Agency has not yet provided its response despite an extended due
date, we do not consider a further extension until 22 May 2025 to be
appropriate in the circumstances. 

 

Action required by close of business 8 May 2025:

If the Agency is unable to finalise its revised decision under s 55G of
the FOI Act by close of business 8 May 2025, we require the Agency to
provide to the OAIC, the documents and information outlined in the notice
issued under s 54Z of the FOI Act on 6 February 2025. 

 

Non-compliance may result in:

If we do not receive a response by close of business 8 May 2025, we will
proceed with the requirement for the production of documents under section
55R of the FOI Act. The s 55R Notice will be issued to the relevant SES
band 2 (or equivalent) within your Agency.  Failure to comply with the
notice is an offence punishable by six months’ imprisonment (per section
55R(5)). 

 

For further details, refer to paragraphs 2.10 and 3.18 of the [1]Direction
as to certain procedures to be followed by agencies and ministers in
Information Commissioner reviews. 

 

Kind regards

[2][IMG]   Rachel McCormack

A/g Assistant Director | Early
Resolution

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian Information  
Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[3]oaic.gov.au

1300 363 992  | 
[4][email address]
[5][IMG] | [6][IMG] | [7][IMG] |   [8]Subscribe to OAICnet
newsletter

 

 

 

The OAIC has revised its IC review procedure directions from 1 July 2024.
For more information, including new resources to assist applicants and
respondents, see our webpage: [9]Information Commissioner reviews.

 

 

The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia
and their continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay
our respect to First Nations people, cultures and Elders past and present.

[10]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

From: foi <[email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 4:52 PM
To: [FOI #12747 email]
Cc: foi <[email address]>; OAIC - FOI DR <[email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.

 

Dear David Wright,

I am writing to provide you with an update on your matter MR25/00136 that
is currently under Information Commissioner review.

 

The NDIA has considered the decision under review and has determined that
it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G of the Freedom
of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, I have requested an extension
of time from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
until 22 May 2025.

 

I have included the correspondence sent to the OAIC below. Please note I
have removed staff last names and email addresses for privacy reasons.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [11][email address]

[12]NDIA logo

[13]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

 

From: foi <[14][email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 3:56 PM
To: OAIC - FOI DR <[15][email address]>
Cc: foi <[16][email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Rachel,

MR25/00136 – Application for an Extension of Time

We refer to the Notice of IC review and request for documents of 6
February 2025 (Notice), requiring the NDIA to complete the engagement with
the applicant and share its submissions with the OAIC and the applicant
and to provide the relevant documents to OAIC by 20 March 2025.

The NDIA acknowledges that it has not been able to meet the above
timeframe and apologises to OAIC and to the applicant. The NDIA confirms
it has given further consideration to the decision under review and has
determined that it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G
of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, the NDIA respectfully requests
that the compliance date in the Notice be amended to Thursday 22 May 2025.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [17][email address]

[18]NDIA logo

[19]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

show quoted sections

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
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11 Attachments

Dear Rachel,

 

We are finalising our response to the section 54Z notice and confirm it
will be provided tomorrow. As such, we kindly request a 1-day extension to
close of business tomorrow, 9 May 2025.

 

We sincerely apologise for the delay.

 

Kind Regards

 

Liz

Senior Freedom of Information Officer 

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

E: [1][email address]

 

[2]NDIA logo

[3]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.

[4]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic

 

From: OAIC - FOI DR <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 1:46 PM
To: foi <[email address]>; [FOI #12747 email]
Subject: RESPONSE DUE 8 MAY 2025: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information
Commissioner review – Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

OAIC reference: MR25/00136

Agency reference: FOI 24/25-0592

 

National Disability Insurance Agency

By email: [5][email address]

 

David Wright

By email: [6][FOI #12747 email]

 

Good afternoon, Karla

 

Given the Agency has not yet provided its response despite an extended due
date, we do not consider a further extension until 22 May 2025 to be
appropriate in the circumstances.

 

Action required by close of business 8 May 2025:

If the Agency is unable to finalise its revised decision under s 55G of
the FOI Act by close of business 8 May 2025, we require the Agency to
provide to the OAIC, the documents and information outlined in the notice
issued under s 54Z of the FOI Act on 6 February 2025.

 

Non-compliance may result in:

If we do not receive a response by close of business 8 May 2025, we will
proceed with the requirement for the production of documents under section
55R of the FOI Act. The s 55R Notice will be issued to the relevant SES
band 2 (or equivalent) within your Agency. Failure to comply with the
notice is an offence punishable by six months’ imprisonment (per section
55R(5)).

 

For further details, refer to paragraphs 2.10 and 3.18 of the [7]Direction
as to certain procedures to be followed by agencies and ministers in
Information Commissioner reviews.

 

Kind regards

[8][IMG] Rachel McCormack

A/g Assistant Director | Early
Resolution

FOI Case Management Branch

Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner

GPO Box 5218 Sydney NSW 2001 |
[9]oaic.gov.au

1300 363 992 |
[10][email address]
[11][IMG] | [12][IMG] | [13][IMG] | [14]Subscribe to OAICnet
newsletter

 

 

 

The OAIC has revised its IC review procedure directions from 1 July 2024.
For more information, including new resources to assist applicants and
respondents, see our webpage: [15]Information Commissioner reviews.

 

 

The OAIC acknowledges Traditional Custodians of Country across Australia
and their continuing connection to land, waters and communities. We pay
our respect to First Nations people, cultures and Elders past and present.

[16]Subscribe to Information Matters

 

 

From: foi
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 4:52 PM
To: [17][FOI #12747 email]
Cc: foi ; OAIC - FOI DR
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organisation. Do not click
links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and know the content
is safe.

 

Dear David Wright,

I am writing to provide you with an update on your matter MR25/00136 that
is currently under Information Commissioner review.

 

The NDIA has considered the decision under review and has determined that
it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G of the Freedom
of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, I have requested an extension
of time from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)
until 22 May 2025.

 

I have included the correspondence sent to the OAIC below. Please note I
have removed staff last names and email addresses for privacy reasons.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [18][email address]

[19]NDIA logo

[20]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

 

From: foi <[21][email address]>
Sent: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 3:56 PM
To: OAIC - FOI DR <[22][email address]>
Cc: foi <[23][email address]>
Subject: RE: OAIC –MR25/00136 - Notice of Information Commissioner review
– Agency reference FOI 24/25-0592 [SEC=OFFICIAL]

 

Dear Rachel,

MR25/00136 – Application for an Extension of Time

We refer to the Notice of IC review and request for documents of 6
February 2025 (Notice), requiring the NDIA to complete the engagement with
the applicant and share its submissions with the OAIC and the applicant
and to provide the relevant documents to OAIC by 20 March 2025.

The NDIA acknowledges that it has not been able to meet the above
timeframe and apologises to OAIC and to the applicant. The NDIA confirms
it has given further consideration to the decision under review and has
determined that it would be appropriate to make a new decision under s 55G
of the Freedom of Information Act 1982.

To allow the NDIA to make the new decision, the NDIA respectfully requests
that the compliance date in the Notice be amended to Thursday 22 May 2025.

Yours sincerely

Karla

Karla

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

Email: [24][email address]

[25]NDIA logo

[26]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

show quoted sections

Notice:

The information contained in this email message and any attached files may
be confidential information, and may also be the subject of legal
professional privilege. If you are not the intended recipient any use,
disclosure or copying of this email is unauthorised. If you received this
email in error, please notify the sender by contacting the department's
switchboard on 1300 488 064 during business hours (8:30am - 5pm Canberra
time) and delete all copies of this transmission together with any
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Emily Lacey left an annotation ()

A week after the NDIA said "it will be provided tomorrow"... no documents. Classic.

Dear OAIC

What is happening with my request? The agency has requested an extension of time that has now expired.

Yours sincerely,
David Wright

Thank you for your email to the National Disability Insurance Agency
(NDIA) Freedom of Information (FOI) team. 
 
Please note: due to a high volume of requests, our ability to respond to
you in a timely manner may be affected. We will action your request as
soon as possible and will endeavour to process your matter within the
legislative deadlines. We may need to seek your agreement to an extension
of time. We appreciate your understanding if this is required. 
 
Participant Information 
Did you know the NDIA has other ways to access the documents and
information that we hold? 
 
 
Participants, Guardians and Nominees can obtain copies of some participant
information through our National Contact Centre (NCC). For more
information about what’s available through the NCC, please contact 1800
800 110. 
 
 
Please visit our [1]Access to Information webpage to find out more about
accessing information through: 

* The [2]Participant Information Access (PIA) scheme 
 
* The [3]Information Publication Scheme (IPS) 
 
* The [4]myplace portal for participants    
 
* The [5]myplace portal for providers 

Access to Data 
 
You can also request data and statistics. Please visit our [6]Data and
insights webpage page for further information. 
 
 
If you are able to obtain your information from a source listed above, you
can withdraw your FOI request by emailing [7][email address
 
Further Information 
 
Information about how to make an FOI request can be found on our website:
[8]Freedom of Information 
 
 
Should you have a query unrelated to FOI, please contact the Agency by
email at [9][email address] or via webchat at [10]ndis.gov.au.
Alternatively, you can also contact us by phoning 1800 800 110. 
 
 
Kind regards    
 
 
Freedom of Information Team  
Complaints Management & FOI Branch 
General Counsel Division  
National Disability Insurance Agency  
E [11][email address]   
   
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.  

show quoted sections

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10. https://www.ndis.gov.au/
11. mailto:[email address]

Tal Aviram,

2 Attachments

  • Attachment

    Preliminary submission to OAIC 9 May 2025.pdf

    126K Download View as HTML

  • Attachment

    Freedom of Information request Technical Advisory Team TAT de identified general advices relating to ASD.txt

    3K Download View as HTML

Dear David Wright

 

OAIC reference: MR25/00136; Agency reference: FOI 24/25-0592

 

We act for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) in relation to
IC review matter MR25/00136 regarding your attached request made under the
Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). Please direct all
correspondence to the NDIA in relation to this review to us at
[1][email address].

The NDIA confirms that it is currently in the process of preparing a
decision under s 55G of the FOI Act, which the NDIA anticipates will
result in the disclosure of parts of the documents within scope to you. We
confirm we have notified OAIC of this, and that the NDIA is committed to
provide this decision to you and to OAIC as promptly as possible.

Please find attached the Agency's preliminary submissions in respect of
the application of ss 47E(d) and 47F to parts of the documents. We have
provided these preliminary submissions to OAIC.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Tal Aviram
Senior Associate
Clayton Utz
Level 10, NewActon Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street, Canberra ACT 2601
Australia | +612 6279 4031 | +61 434 651 070 | [2][email address] |
[3]claytonutz.com

References

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Dear OAIC

I respond to the NDIA's 'Preliminary submission by the NDIA in support of exemptions.'

Paragraphs 8-14 of the submission present arguments that text in the requested documents are conditionally exempt under s 47E(d). The submission essentially relies on the entirely speculative claim that providers will 'manipulate' and 'tailor' evidence based on the information contained in the documents, in order to secure funded supports for their clients.

This submission fails to address the following points I made in my original request, which I repeat below:

1. The Agency's position presupposes a level of dishonesty by providers, implying they will intentionally provide false or fraudulent information to the NDIA (and also potentially the Administrative Review Tribunal). This would not only be illegal, but also contrary to these providers' professional codes of conduct/ethics. There is no valid basis for such an assumption that many (if any) providers would do this.

2. There already exists a large body of information in the public realm, which is accessible to providers, explaining threshold criteria to meet reasonable and necessary supports, including guidelines and other materials published by the NDIA on its website (e.g. https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-nd...). There also exist a multitude of Administrative Appeal Tribunal/Administrative Review Tribunal published decisions providing judicial guidance on these threshold criteria. There is no evidence that providers presently 'manipulate' this information so as to result in a distortion of funding levels, which substantially and adversely affects the integrity of the NDIS and its financial sustainability. If the Agency was really concerned about providers manipulating this information, it would remove this guidance material from its website. But it has not done so.

To elaborate on these points, the Agency presents no evidence in its preliminary submission that many (if any) providers who already submit information to it on a regular basis are prepared to, or presently do, 'manipulate' or 'tailor' this evidence in a dishonest or fraudulent way to satisfy the guidelines already published on the NDIS website, or the criteria explained in publicly available Tribunal decisions, both of which go directly to NDIS funding decisions. The Agency fails to recognise this point in its preliminary submission, or explain how the release of the requested documents will somehow increase this so-called 'risk'.

Further, paragraph 10(d)(vi) of the preliminary submission presents as a further reason against disclosure 'the increase in fraud by NDIS participants and providers, which is unfortunately a prevalent and well-known issue that the Agency is actively addressing.' This is a misleading submission. The 'prevalent' and 'well known' fraud is by a TINY MINORITY of NDIS participants and providers. As reported in the media, this activity has focussed entirely on either the providers defrauding participants, or participants using their NDIS funding on goods and services that are not included in their NDIS plans. There have been no documented cases of providers producing fraudulent evidence or recommendations in planning documents in order to secure funding for their clients, or of participants producing fraudulent evidence in order to secure this funding. Unless the Agency can verify the existence of this type of fraud, the OAIC should place no weight on its submission.

The preliminary submission also states at paragraphs 13-14 that preventing this speculated 'manipulation' of the scheme by providers is necessary to maintain its 'sustainability', and that disclosure would result in 'extensive and substantial damage' to the Agency's operations. Again, this is totally unsubstantiated. The NDIS is a $44 billion scheme that services approximaely 700,000 participants. In order for the release of the information in this very limited number of documents to create 'extensive and substantial damage' to such a massive scheme, to the extent that its sustainability is compromised, many thousands of providers would need to manipulate their evidence upon viewing the documents. This is simply not plausible, particularly given the very limited and specific nature of the case studies contained in the documents, which should only be applicable to a very small minority of participants.

By way example, one of the documents presents the case study of an 'Assistance Animal for a child with Autism and Epilepsy.' The percentage of the 700,000 NDIS participants who are children with both autism and epilepsy, and who are also seeking funding for an assistance animal, would be extremely small. Of this extremely small cohort, a very large percentage of their providers would need to produce fraudulent evidence and recommendations (in violation of their legal and professional obligations) in order to have even a tiny impact on the Agency's operations and financial sustainability. This scenario cannot be considered even remotely likely to occur.

The preliminary submission also states as a reason against disclosure that 'Documents 1-7 contain personal information of participants and their family members, including their names, ages, details relating to their disability and supports they are receiving or seeking, details relating to their NDIS plans, and other identifying information.'

This needs to be read in context of paragraph 9 of the preliminary submission, which states 'The de-identified digests have been prepared as examples, derived from a specific participant's (de-identified) individual circumstances and their individual support needs, for the use of the Agency's Technical Advisors for the purpose of assisting them to make relevant assessments of claims as against the statutory criteria in order to provide correct internal advice in respect of those claims.'

As the documents have already been de-identified by the Agency in order to protect the privacy of the individuals, there should be no risk that the disclosure of the information through release under FOI would violate their privacy. It follows that there is no need to redact this information.

The preliminary submission asserts at paragraph 17 that 'In considering the public interest, the Agency contends that no public interest factors weigh in favour of disclosure of the personal information of participants and their family members in circumstances where, as noted above, the FOI request was for de-identified articles and the Agency submits that no public purpose would be achieved through release of the personal information.'

There is a clear public interest purpose in disclosing this information - that of transparency in Government. If all (de-identified) personal information was to be redacted from the documents, as the Agency appears to argue should occur, it would render them unintelligible. This is not in the public interest.

Yours sincerely,
David Wright

4 Attachments

Dear David,

 

Please find attached correspondence and documents in relation to your FOI
request (Our Ref: FOI 24/25-0592). I sincerely apologise for the delay in
getting these to you. If you require these in a different format, please
let us know.  

As you have applied to the Office of the Australian Information
Commissioner (OAIC) for a review, we have copied in OAIC to this
correspondence.

Please contact us at [1][email address] if you have any questions or
require help. 

 

Thank you

 

Karla 

Assistant Director, Information Access

Information Release, Privacy and Legal Operations Branch

Reviews and Information Release Division

National Disability Insurance Agency

E: [2][email address]

[3]NDIA logo

[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic

The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia
and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our
respects to
them and their cultures and to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

show quoted sections

References

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2. mailto:[email address]
4. https://intranet.ndiastaff.ndia.gov.au/h...

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