Your NDIS rights
The NDIS is your right if you have a permanent disability. Aboriginal people should be able to access it without discrimination. If NDIS makes a wrong decision about you, you can appeal.
Key points
- If you have a permanent disability, you are eligible for NDIS support
- NDIS plans can be reviewed — you can ask for a review if your needs are not being met
- You can bring an advocate or support person to plan meetings
- MDAS and Mildura NDIS LAC can help you navigate the system for free
- If you disagree with an NDIS decision, you can appeal — get help from Mildura NDIS LAC
- NDIS funding is meant to cover disability-related needs, not replace other services
Your NDIS rights
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a major reform in disability support in Australia. If you have a permanent disability, you have the right to access it. Here’s what you need to know.
Your right to access NDIS
If you have a permanent disability that affects your everyday life, you are eligible for NDIS support. This is not just for physical disability — it includes intellectual disability, psychosocial disability (mental health), sensory disability (vision, hearing), and neurological conditions.
To access NDIS:
- Call 1800 800 110 and ask about access
- Get supporting documents from your GP or specialist
- Submit an Access Request form
Your right to an advocate
You don’t have to navigate NDIS alone. You have the right to bring an advocate or support person to any meeting with NDIS — including your planning meeting.
This can be:
- A family member
- A friend
- A worker from MDAS or the Mildura NDIS LAC
- Any other person you trust
Write down what you want to say before your planning meeting. The more specific you are about your needs, the better your plan will be.
Your right to have your plan reviewed
If your NDIS plan doesn’t cover what you need, you can ask for a review. Plans can be changed — it’s not fixed until the next plan review.
If your circumstances change significantly (e.g., your condition gets worse, you need more support), contact NDIS and ask for a plan change before the planned review date.
Appeals and reviews of NDIS decisions
If NDIS decides you are not eligible, or if you disagree with something in your plan, you can appeal. This is called an internal review or an external review at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
Get help from the Mildura NDIS LAC or MDAS to work through the appeals process. They can attend appeal meetings with you.
Free support to navigate NDIS
You do not have to pay for help to navigate NDIS. The following services are free:
- Mildura NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) — helps with access, planning, and reviews
- MDAS disability team — culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal people
These services exist specifically to help people access NDIS. Use them.
NDIS funding is for disability-related needs
NDIS funding is meant to cover disability-related supports — things you need because of your disability that other people don’t need. It doesn’t replace mainstream services like healthcare (which is Medicare) or education.
If NDIS is funding something that another system should fund (e.g., a health service that should be funded through Medicare), you can challenge this.
Key contacts
- 1800 800 110 — NDIS
- (03) 5022 5444 — Mildura NDIS LAC
- (03) 5023 5023 — MDAS (disability support team)