Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, today thanked the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) Advisory Group which met to discuss and further consider NIIS design and implementation.

The Advisory Group has issued a Communiqué on the outcomes of the meeting, which outlines the fundamental principles that underpin the design of the NIIS. The Advisory Group considers that these principles are necessary to give effect to the model proposed by the Productivity Commission in its report into Disability Care and Support. 

The Advisory Group supports the key objectives of the NIIS and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to improve care and support to those with a significant and permanent disability and called on all governments to work together to implement these critical reforms. 

The Group has highlighted the importance of a NIIS for the disability care and support system reforms.  The NIIS will work to reduce the large inequities in lifetime care and support that currently exist across jurisdictions and ensure the long‑term fiscal sustainability of the NDIS.

Minister Shorten also congratulated John Walsh on his acceptance as Chair of the NIIS Advisory Group.  Former Chairperson David Bowen will remain on the Advisory Group, having stepped down due to his commitments as CEO of the NDIS Launch Transition Agency.  

The Advisory Group also welcomed the announcement that Andrew Pesce has been appointed the Chair of the working group on medical indemnity, which will progress work on the broadening the NIIS to cover the lifetime care and support needs of patients who experience catastrophic injuries.