Time basis of funding
I am requesting access under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), to the following information from FOI23/24- 1189 -
Please provide any and all documents that relate to NDIS use of time base of funding (both capacity and support work) and any policy, justification or memos surrounding NDIS using :
40 weeks as basis for funding
46 weeks as basis for funding
48 weeks as basis for funding
52 weeks as basis for funding
I agree to you omitting names of ndis employees.
Yours faithfully,
Angelique
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Kind regards
Freedom of Information Team
Complaints Management & FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [11][NDIA request email]
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11. mailto:[NDIA request email]
Dear NDIA,
I would like to clarify that the following statement “to the following information from FOI23/24- 1189” was included in error.
I would like to rephrase it as
“Please provide any and all documents that relate to NDIS use of time base of funding (both capacity and support work) and any policy, justification or memos surrounding NDIS using :
40 weeks as basis for funding
46 weeks as basis for funding
48 weeks as basis for funding
52 weeks as basis for funding
I agree to you omitting names of ndis employees.”
Thank you Angelique
Dear National Disability Insurance Agency,
Just wondering if acknowledging this request is possible?
Yours faithfully,
Angelique
Dear Angelique
Freedom of Information Request: Acknowledgement and Extension of time
Thank you for your request of 16 August 2024, made under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), for copies of documents held by the
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Scope of your request
You have requested access to:
“… the following information from FOI23/24- 1189 –
Please provide any and all documents that relate to NDIS use of time base
of funding (both capacity and support work) and any policy, justification
or memos surrounding NDIS using :
40 weeks as basis for funding
46 weeks as basis for funding
48 weeks as basis for funding
52 weeks as basis for funding…”
Processing timeframes
A 30-day statutory period for processing your request commenced from 17
August 2024, in accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act. In
accordance with section 36(2)(b) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, if
the last day to make a decision is a Saturday, a Sunday or a holiday; then
the decision may be done on the next day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday
or a holiday. You should, therefore, expect a decision from us by 16
September 2024.
Extension of time under section 15AA of the FOI Act
We’re sorry it is taking us longer than expected to process your
request.
We are therefore writing to seek your agreement to a 30-day extension of
time under section 15AA of the FOI Act. If you agree to this extension,
the new due date for us to make a decision on your request will be 16
October 2024.
Please note, although a 30-day extension of time has been sought, we will
endeavour to complete your request as soon as practically possible.
Please let us know whether you agree by 9 September 2024.
If you don’t agree, we may need to seek an extension of time from the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Disclosure Log
Information released under the FOI Act may be published on the NDIA’s
disclosure log located on our website [1]FOI Disclosure log | NDIS,
subject to certain exceptions.
If you have any concerns about the publication of information you have
requested, please contact us.
Further help
Please contact us at [2][NDIA request email] if you have any questions or need
help.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
Kind Regards
Megan (MGP798)
Freedom of Information Officer
Governance, Risk & Legal - Complaints Management and FOI
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [3][NDIA request email]
[4]NDIA logo
[5]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
[6]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic
Dear Angelique,
Thank you for your email of 5 September 2024 confirming you are seeking
access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). I
note you have requested access to a copy of documents held by the National
Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Can you please respond to this email with information confirming which
documents you are seeking?
Please provide your response by COB 16 Septemeber 2024.
Please contact us at [NDIA request email] if you have any questions or need
help.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
Kind regards,
Ayo
Freedom of Information Team
Governance, Risk & Legal – Complaints Management & FOI
Government Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [1][NDIA request email]
[2]NDIA logo
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
[3]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic
Dear Megan,
I agree to the 30 day extension.
Dear Ayo,
I am not sure what your question is but I am looking for the documents that establish and determine the logic or reasoning (and situation) in which NDIA use 40,42,46,48 weeks as a basis of funding. The internal direction that may exist, the guidelines around when to use what and why.
Yours sincerely,
Angelique
Dear Angelique
Thank you for your request for information.
Please find attached correspondence in relation to your request. If you
require this in a different format, please let us know.
Please contact us at [1][NDIA request email] if you have any questions or
require help.
Kind regards
Wendy
(WNN633)
Senior Freedom of Information Officer
Complaints Management & FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E: [2][NDIA request email]
[3]Title: NDIS delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
[5]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic
From: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Sent: Friday, September 6, 2024 11:31 AM
To: '[FOI #11907 email]'
<[FOI #11907 email]>
Cc: foi <[NDIA request email]>
Subject: FOI 24/25-0209 - Your request for information - Acknowledgement
and Extension of time - Response required [SEC=OFFICIAL]
Dear Angelique
Freedom of Information Request: Acknowledgement and Extension of time
Thank you for your request of 16 August 2024, made under the Freedom of
Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), for copies of documents held by the
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Scope of your request
You have requested access to:
“… the following information from FOI23/24- 1189 –
Please provide any and all documents that relate to NDIS use of time base
of funding (both capacity and support work) and any policy, justification
or memos surrounding NDIS using :
40 weeks as basis for funding
46 weeks as basis for funding
48 weeks as basis for funding
52 weeks as basis for funding…”
Processing timeframes
A 30-day statutory period for processing your request commenced from 17
August 2024, in accordance with section 15(5)(b) of the FOI Act. In
accordance with section 36(2)(b) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, if
the last day to make a decision is a Saturday, a Sunday or a holiday; then
the decision may be done on the next day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday
or a holiday. You should, therefore, expect a decision from us by 16
September 2024.
Extension of time under section 15AA of the FOI Act
We’re sorry it is taking us longer than expected to process your
request.
We are therefore writing to seek your agreement to a 30-day extension of
time under section 15AA of the FOI Act. If you agree to this extension,
the new due date for us to make a decision on your request will be 16
October 2024.
Please note, although a 30-day extension of time has been sought, we will
endeavour to complete your request as soon as practically possible.
Please let us know whether you agree by 9 September 2024.
If you don’t agree, we may need to seek an extension of time from the
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
Disclosure Log
Information released under the FOI Act may be published on the NDIA’s
disclosure log located on our website [6]FOI Disclosure log | NDIS,
subject to certain exceptions.
If you have any concerns about the publication of information you have
requested, please contact us.
Further help
Please contact us at [7][NDIA request email] if you have any questions or need
help.
We will contact you using the email address you provided. Please advise if
you would prefer us to use an alternative means of contact.
Kind Regards
Megan (MGP798)
Freedom of Information Officer
Governance, Risk & Legal - Complaints Management and FOI
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E [8][NDIA request email]
[9]NDIA logo
[10]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
[11]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic
Dear Wendy/ Megan
Not sure who to address as both signed off.
Background:
NDIA Delegates/Planners have an inconsistent use of time bases when calculating funding.
For children, as a general - capacity building or core supports ie activities of daily living is calculated on 40 or 46 weeks.
For adults, as a general - capacity building or core supports ie activities of daily living is calculated on 46 or 48 weeks.
Then the odd case of say a planner using capacity building 48 weeks but activities of daily living (core) is 46 weeks for a plan.
Refine of scope:
A year has 52 weeks. Where does the widespread understanding within NDIA of 40, 42, 46 and 48 weeks come from? This spans across too many people and plans for it to be one planner misunderstanding. I would like to know 1. where did the variation of funding come from and 2. who gave the direction and 3. under which circumstances does each of these apply.
Hope that helps. Please let me know if you intend to refuse my request in context of further clarification.
Yours sincerely,
Angelique
Dear National Disability Insurance Agency,
Please pass this on to the person who conducts Freedom of Information reviews.
I am writing to request an internal review of National Disability Insurance Agency's handling of my FOI request 'Time basis of funding'.
NDIA would have the information to explain why different categories are calculated on different time basis. Declining this request on the basis of it being vague or too much is disingenuous.
A year has 52 weeks. NDIA used many different amount of weeks that is not 52. I would like to know why they use what they use and understand which conditions allow for which time base to be used. It would be fair to say that planners did not widespread make up the 40,42,46 and 48 week calculator without higher direction or input.
A full history of my FOI request and all correspondence is available on the Internet at this address: https://www.righttoknow.org.au/request/t...
Yours faithfully,
Angelique
Dear Angelique
Thank you for your correspondence regarding your FOI application.
I have reviewed your email and note that you have made the following
amendments:
Background:
NDIA Delegates/Planners have an inconsistent use of time bases when
calculating funding.
For children, as a general - capacity building or core supports ie
activities of daily living is calculated on 40 or 46 weeks.
For adults, as a general - capacity building or core supports ie
activities of daily living is calculated on 46 or 48 weeks.
Then the odd case of say a planner using capacity building 48 weeks but
activities of daily living (core) is 46 weeks for a plan.
Refine of scope:
A year has 52 weeks. Where does the widespread understanding within NDIA
of 40, 42, 46 and 48 weeks come from? This spans across too many people
and plans for it to be one planner misunderstanding. I would like to know
1. where did the variation of funding come from and 2. who gave the
direction and 3. under which circumstances does each of these apply.
However, as FOI is for access to documents and not answers to questions,
can you please confirm if you are happy to revise your scope to the
following proposal:
Current guidance material related to time-based funding supports for
children and adults, across a period of 52 weeks, for the following
support categories:
* Capacity Building; and
* Core Supports (Activities of Daily Living).
Can I please ask that you respond by Wednesday 2 October 2024 or at your
earliest convenience.
Kind regards
Wendy (WNN693)
Senior Freedom of Information Officer
Complaints Management and FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
T 07 3233 0808 E [1][NDIA request email]
[2][IMG]
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
Dear foi,
I know you do not answer questions however the issue I presented should make it clear what I am after.
Redefine of scope as requested :
1. All guidance documents for delegates that address determining the number of weeks /per year that can/should be funded for capacity building and core supports. (Please provide these documents in full).
2. All internal policy documents that address the number of weeks /per year funded for capacity building and core supports.
3. All research, reports, briefs, and policy design documents created during the process of determining the number of weeks /per year that can/should be funded for capacity building and core supports, where the determinations were then used in guidance documents, policy documents, and the typical support calculator (TSP) system. (Please provide these documents in full).
I hope this helps.
As a separate note, I find it frustrating and disappointing that the NDIA would impose a deadline of just 2 working days when it took nearly two weeks for my request to even be acknowledged. If the expectation is to meet tight deadlines, then it would be reasonable for NDIA to ensure their communications are prompt and aligned with those same standards. We all have other commitments and cannot simply wait around for responses from NDIA.
Yours sincerely,
Angelique
Dear foi,
the extended deadline is today. I have not received this. I will pre-emptatively provide you with a further 7 days to 23 October for these documents
Yours sincerely,
Angelique
Dear Angelique,
Thank you for your email and sincere apologies for the delayed response.
I advise that I am still waiting on a response with documents to be
provided by the relevant business area and hope to receive this in the
foreseeable future.
Once I am confident that I have all documents that fall within the scope
of your request, I will review and make my decision on access as a
priority.
As it is now past the due date, your request is now considered deemed
under section 15AC of the FOI Act, however I am continuing to process your
request and will provide you with a decision as soon as practical.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me again at [1][NDIA request email] if you
have any questions.
Kind regards
Wendy (WNN633)
Senior Freedom of Information Officer
Complaints Management and FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
E: [2][NDIA request email]
[3]Title: NDIS delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency
[4]LGBTIQA+ rainbow graphic
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
[5]Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags graphic
Dear Angelique,
Thank you for your email and sincere apologies for the delayed response.
Having reviewed your refined scope. Can you confirm that I have understood
that you are requesting:
All internal policy documents and guidance documents for
delegates that address determining the number of weeks /per year that
can/should be funded for capacity building and core supports.
Can I ask that you respond at your earliest convenience or by 12:00pm 11
November 2024.
Please be assured that I have been liaising with the internal business
areas to process your FOI request with utmost priority.
I look forward to your response.
Kind regards
Wendy (WNN693)
Senior Freedom of Information Officer
Complaints Management and FOI Branch
General Counsel Division
National Disability Insurance Agency
T 07 3233 0808 E [1][NDIA request email]
[2][IMG]
The NDIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout
Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We
pay our respects to them and their cultures and to Elders past, present
and emerging.
Dear wendy,
The summary is not quite correct. As in my previous email. I’m requesting the following:
1. All guidance documents for delegates that address determining the number of weeks /per year that can/should be funded for capacity building and core supports. (Please provide these documents in full)
. 2. All internal policy documents that address the number of weeks /per year funded for capacity building and core supports.
AND
3. All research, reports, briefs, and policy design documents created during the process of determining the number of weeks /per year that can/should be funded for capacity building and core supports, where the determinations were then used in guidance documents, policy documents, and the typical support calculator (TSP) system. (Please provide these documents in full).
Yours sincerely,
Angelique
If you give a time it might help to also state timezone.