Touching Base submissions around the NDIS and sex work 2022 -present

August 2024

Touching Base made a detailed submission to the Department of Social Services (DSS) consultation on NDIS draft support lists. We strongly oppose the introduction of restrictive support lists in the NDIS. We argue these lists limit participant choice and control, and highlight the importance of sexual supports for people with disabilities. Our submission provides evidence and data to support funding for sex work services, sex aids, and assistance in accessing sexual supports. We also reference community support for NDIS funding of sexual activity and call for a principles-based trust approach with increased independent decision-making support. Follow this link to read the full submission 

July 2024

This submission by Touching Base Inc. criticises the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024. We argue the Bill reduces participant choice and control, centralises power with the Minister, and fails to address the issue of sexuality and relationships comprehensively. Our submission calls for blocking the Bill and developing a new one with proper co-design and consultation. Follow this link this brief submission

May 2024

In our submission to the to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) Bill 2024,
Touching Base raises concerns about how Bill might reduce participant choice and control. We call for legislated co-design of new NDIS rules, clearer definitions of support, and stronger appeal rights for needs assessments. Follow this link to the full submission on the Committee’s website . Please note that the Touching Base submission number is 128

May 2024

Touching Base made a submission to the NDIS Provider and Worker Registration Taskforce arguing against mandatory registration of sex workers as NDIS providers. Mandatory registration would endanger the privacy and safety of sex workers, limit choice for NDIS participants, and contradict the NDIS principles of choice and control. Follow this link to the full submission.

August 2023

Touching Base made a Submission to the NDIS Review which covered our three main problems or concerns with the NDIS:

1. Misinformation broadcast by prior Ministers and the NDIA is still being
relied upon by NDIS staff and planners.

2. Failure to recognise the importance of sex and sexuality.

3. A lack of transparency, policy and guidelines around sexuality and
relationship supports

We also provided information about how these three main problems affect us and/or others  and what we think are solutions to these problems

December 2022

Touching Base made a detailed submission to an inquiry into the Capability and Culture of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), conducting by the Federal Parliament’s  Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

We are pleased our straight-talking submission has been published under Parliamentary privilege on the Joint Standing Committee’s webpage for submissions to this inquiry. Please note that the Touching Base submission number is 123

Touching Base endorses The Uluru Statement from the Heart and acknowledges First Nations as the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge, and their continuing connections to land and community. As Australians all, we respect our nation’s First Peoples, their cultures, and Elders of past, present and future generations.