Dietitians Australia welcomes the opportunity to contribute to new NDIS framework planning and support a system that recognises Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) as important partners in meeting disability-related nutrition and feeding needs.

The submission’s 11 recommendations set out practical ways for APD expertise to inform the planning pathway. These include identifying when nutrition assessment or referral is appropriate, using APD reports and feeding plans to inform decisions, and explaining how assessed needs translate into funded supports. Funding approaches should recognise the time involved in assessment, intervention, monitoring, liaison and participant-specific worker training.

Dietitians Australia also recommends clear pathways for prescribed enteral feeds, compatible consumables and equipment, modified foods and oral nutritional supplements. APDs can contribute to safeguarding and mealtime guidance and to workforce education, in collaboration with people with disability and other professionals.

Co-designing and testing assessment tools, forms, training and accessible information will help connect identified needs with individualised funding and practical implementation. Dietitians Australia looks forward to continued engagement as the rules and guidance are developed.

Read Dietitians Australia’s full submission.