A resident is calling on Wyndham Council to strengthen support for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants in the municipality’s 2026-2030 Accessibility and Inclusion Plan.
Patricia Barcatta said the current plan, which is now out for community consultation, focuses too much on inclusion as a form of advocacy, and does not place enough focus on providing ongoing support for participants.
“It is not only about accessibility and inclusion, is it not about their money and their dignity as well,” Ms Barcatta said.
“There would be nothing to indicate they are advocating for these people beyond actually helping them find an NDIS provider.”
According to council, 4.1 per cent of Wyndham’s population live with a disability and are twice as likely to be from a culturally and linguistically diverse background than those residing in other parts of Melbourne.
“If council is reduced to being a referral provider, then they aren’t really advocating for anything at all.
“They are not actually coming at it from the other angle which is protecting disabled people– why aren’t they coming at it from both sides?“
Ms Barcatta said that while it is not council’s role to enforce compliance standards on NDIS providers, the fact there are more than 10,000 listed providers in Wyndham should mean anti-fraud measures are a key part of council’s advocacy priorities.
“I would like to know how they are advocating for people when many of the service providers do not have to formally register,” she said.
Ms Barcatta said that as an advocate in the disability space, council should use its access to state and federal governments to push for stronger laws to protect participants.
“Why aren’t the council calling for a law mandating reviews on providers so they can be audited and ensuring we know they are doing the right thing with people with those living with disabilities under their care in this municipality?”
A Wyndham City spokesperson said it does not have a responsibility for the NDIS or the NDIA and that is a federal government responsibility.
“There is a Fraud Fusion Taskforce where instances of NDIS and NDIA fraud can be reported and all cases are investigated on 1800 650 717,” the spokesperson said.
