News
A top executive has resigned from their position at National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) amid a series of controversial reform.
Corri Mckenzie has left her position as Deputy CEO of NDIS’s Service Design and Improvement, following changes to the rollout of Foundational Supports and the new NDIS legislation which indicates that funding periods must be set at 12 months or less for individual plans.
As Ms Mckenzie was an instrumental part of the co-design process, it would seem that the changes have been sprung upon the former executive, and those receiving NDIS funding, with little warning.
While she may be hesitant to comment on the departure, many in the disability community are sharing their thoughts.
Dr George Taleporos has more than 20 years’ experience in the disability field, focused on advocacy, human rights policy and practice, service development and management.
Taking to LinkedIn, Dr Taleporos dubbed Ms Mckenzie as one of the “most impressive” government officials he had ever worked with.:
She is an incredible communicator and very hard-working. I was very sad to hear about her resignation. I remember many intense meetings where participants would be going hard raising community concerns and she always displayed a strong willingness to listen, follow up and make things better.
Dr George Taleporos
To the CEO of Community Mental Health Australia Kerry Hawkins, Ms Mckenzie was the embodiment of progress for those in psychosocial disability hoping the NDIS would offer emancipation from a clinically captured mental health system and drive broader mental health reform.
“Corri Mckenzie exemplified the transformational leadership capabilities the public service desperately needs to deliver transformational outcomes for people, the only measures that should matter,” Ms Hawkins says.
Meanwhile, concerns around funding insecurity, increased administration times, and the ever widening trust gap remain for those in the disability community, according the Disability Support Guide.
In the wake of Ms Mckenzie’s departure, comments made by People with Disability Australia’s President Trinity Ford regarding the delay of Foundational Supports has gained added weight.
“We’re calling on the Government to communicate transparently about next steps and to ensure people with lived experience of disability are at the centre of future planning,” Ms Ford said.