The federal government has given up on its plan to bring in independent assessments for NDIS recipients with critics saying the decision is a win for person-centred care.
At a meeting with state and territory ministers on Friday, Minister for Social Services Linda Reynolds agreed not to make any legislative changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, committing to consult on any future amendments.
Ms Reynolds was seeking in-principle support from her state and territory counterparts for amendments to the scheme, with the aim of reigning in the annual cost of the NDIS, which is projected to reach $60 billion by the end of the decade.
Several states and territories have strongly opposed independent assessments, as well as disability advocates, Labor and the Greens.
"This is a massive win for the sector and it is clear that the voices of people with disability were heard loud and clear in today's meeting," ACT Minister for Disability Emma Davidson said in a Friday evening statement.
"The mood in the meeting leaned towards a person-centred approach, which the community has been advocating for, since the first trial of independent assessments."
Her NSW counterpart Alister Henskens also welcomed that independent assessments will not proceed.
"Ministers agreed to the co-design of a new person-centred model that delivers consistency and equity in access," he said.
Until now, the federal government has said it is determined to introduce independent assessments for NDIS participants and applications.
Senator Reynolds has said independent assessments would not be unique to the NDIS, and that all other workplace injury and disability insurance schemes had similar systems in place.
Opposition spokesman for the NDIS Bill Shorten said the development was welcome news for thousands of Australians who had been despairing and frustrated about the future of their care.
"It's a big win," he told AAP.
Mr Shorten said the government had wanted to reduce the NDIS to less individually tailored care, reducing it to three or four types of "welfare" packages.
Any changes to the NDIS have to be co-designed with the disability sector, not imposed on it, he said.
