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🇦🇺 Australia /Health & Science

Advocate fears people could 'die waiting' for NDIS appeals

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Paula Dover faced multiple rejections from the NDIS for essential support after a sudden health decline.
  • She relied on family and friends for care during six months of immobility and frequent ambulance calls.
  • After appealing to an independent tribunal, Dover was granted NDIS support, significantly improving her health and quality of life.

Paula Dover's life dramatically changed five years ago when sudden heart failure exacerbated a pre-existing condition, leaving her severely debilitated. Once an active athlete and mother of five, she found herself unable to run her business, requiring assistance with daily tasks and using a wheelchair.

I had played A-grade basketball for 38 years and, you know, participated in lots of sport, walking every day, very fit, raised five children. Then five years ago I got very unwell.

— Paula DoverDescribing her life before her health crisis and subsequent struggle for NDIS support.

Despite her doctor's advice to seek support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Dover faced four application rejections from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) between 2022 and 2023. During this period, her health deteriorated, leading to 30-31 ambulance call-outs annually and a six-month period where she was confined to her home due to lack of appropriate equipment. She relied heavily on the support of her sister, children, and friends.

Last year, I ended up calling the ambulance 31 times, the year before it was 30. I was stuck in my unit for six months at one stage because I didn't have the right chair and I was in so much pain.

— Paula DoverIllustrating the severity of her health decline and the challenges faced while awaiting NDIS approval.

With legal assistance from Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion, Dover appealed to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Her case resulted in NDIS acceptance during mediation in November 2024, providing her with necessary funding for support services. She now reports a significant improvement in her health, with only two ambulance calls this year, attributing her recovery to the NDIS support.

It saved my life

— Paula DoverAttributing her improved health and well-being to the NDIS support she eventually received.

However, disability advocates warn that thousands of NDIS decisions are overturned on appeal, 73% in 2024-2025 and 64% in 2025-2026. They express grave concern that proposed changes, including reducing the number of NDIS participants and narrowing appeal rights, could lead to preventable deaths among vulnerable individuals awaiting crucial support.

There's every possibility people could die waiting for their appeals.

— Belinda KochanowskaExpressing concern about the potential fatal consequences of delays and changes to the NDIS appeal process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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