Disability ministers to meet again in July

Newly minted minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Linda Reynolds chaired her first meeting with state and territory counterparts this week.

Prior to the meeting she announced a plan to halt the rollout of independent assessments until the industry had been consulted.

National Disability Services chief David Moody said the decision was a victory for common sense.

Disability advocates from South Australia and NSW met with Senator Reynolds on Friday as she embarks on more consultation, which Mr Moody says is a promising start to her tenure.

"We believe the current planning process needs change, but we don't think the current proposal for independent assessments is the way to deliver that change," he told AAP.

"We certainly don't suggest the current planning process is working as intended."

Mr Moody says there are concerns people with disability will not be able to rely on evidence from their own doctors if independent assessments are brought in.

Issues have also been flagged over what rights people would have to appeal decisions made by the independent assessors.

They would decide the level of support people receive on the scheme rather than a participant's own doctor.

Mr Moody says providers' service guarantees should be legislated, in part to ensure they are paid more quickly for services already provided.

Senator Reynolds said the government hopes for an NDIS that is fair and equitable with a "consistent and simple assessment process".

"We'll meet again in July to discuss the outcomes from both the independent assessment trial and my consultations with NDIS participants and stakeholders," she said.

"I look forward to working with my state and territory counterparts on the important work ahead of us."

Australian Associated Press