Caz Heise, the community independent candidate for Cowper, has today announced a commitment to improve the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to ensure individuals with disabilities have greater access to essential resources for their growth and wellbeing.
Reform is needed to strengthen the NDIS, streamline the application processes for participants, and enhance support services to ensure individuals with disabilities can thrive within their communities.
The NDIS needs to transform into a supportive framework that genuinely meets the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities, allowing them to lead fulfilling lives and fully participate in society.
Statements attributable to Caz Heise, Community Independent Candidate for Cowper
“With a deep belief in community involvement and support, I am determined to enhance the NDIS to serve those in our region more effectively.
“With 30 years of nursing experience, I have devoted my career to caring for patients and supporting their families. My passion for advocacy has sharpened my awareness of the challenges individuals with disabilities and their caregivers face while navigating the complexities of the NDIS and its associated health and support services.
“I will support meaningful reforms that enhance the system’s transparency, accessibility, and responsiveness.
“Health can be incredibly complex and confusing. Despite being a nurse, I struggled to navigate my own healthcare when I was being treated for cancer. I understand the distress that participants and caregivers face while trying to access the right services.
“Every individual with a disability deserves to fully engage in our community, but the NDIS often falls short in providing the necessary support.”
“I will continue to listen closely to the concerns of families and practitioners and am committed to creating a more efficient and compassionate NDIS. I recently met with local NDIS service provider Simone Fitzgerald of Complex Care Collaborative in Port Macquarie. Simone emphasised the need for empowering participants, their families, and support personnel through clear information regarding service access and cost management.”
Statements attributable to Simone Fitzgerald, Director and Senior Speech Pathologist, Complex Care Coordination
“Parents are overwhelmed by funding concerns and appointments, and it’s essential that the NDIS educates participants on effectively navigating the system.
“A holistic, coordinated service can enable significant progress for participants, reducing the need for prolonged service dependence.”
Caz also plans to advocate for clearer funding guidelines and accountability, ensuring that resources are directed efficiently to those who need them most.
“Despite the completion of two Royal Commissions, the pace of progress has been disheartening. Although some changes have been made to the NDIS, many are confusing and contradictory,” she stated.
“Our advocacy is focused on expanding services to promote better coordination. We aim to simplify the system and make care central to service delivery - not to overspend, but to ensure participants receive exactly what they need to thrive. I will champion streamlined processes to minimise wait times and reduce paperwork, allowing families to access the support they require swiftly and efficiently.”
Caz Heise is dedicated to being a voice for individuals with disabilities and their families, tirelessly working towards a more effective and compassionate NDIS that prioritises care and support.