25 February 2022

NT and WA Emergency response planning and execution

Key points

• Cyclone warnings have been issued in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
• Check your local emergency services website for the latest updates and warnings.
• Prepare, test and review your emergency response plans.
• Notify the NDIS Commission of changes or events that affect your ability to provide the supports and services you are registered to provide.

Stay up to date with emergency warnings

Visit your local emergency services website for the latest information about emergencies in your area:

• Northern Territory
• Western Australia

 Local authorities also have information about preparing a natural disaster plan.

Emergency and disaster preparedness

With a cyclone warning issued in Northern Territory and Western Australia, this is a reminder to have in place disaster preparedness and planning measures that will ensure your organisation can continue to provide supports before, during and after any emergency.

Refer to our business continuity planning provider alert that sets out our recommendations for business continuity planning. In particular, you should:

• identify options for managing any temporary changes in support, should this be required
• identify the staff in your organisation who have capabilities in contingency planning
• have plans in place to address potential gaps in service provision, which may be created by workers impacted by the emergency

Test your plans regularly, and ensure all staff understand what they would need to do in case of an emergency.

In November 2021, the NDIS Commission introduced new NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators for Emergency and Disaster Management, providing further guidance for providers. The new standards address the planning required by providers to prepare, prevent, manage and respond to emergency and disaster situations whilst mitigating risks to and ensuring continuity of supports that are critical to the health, safety and wellbeing of NDIS participants. 

These new requirements came into effect for registered providers on 24 January 2022. You can read more information about the new Practice Standards and Quality Indicators on our website.

Know the NDIS participants you support

It is vital that you understand the specific needs of the NDIS participants you support. For example, ensure your participant records are up-to-date and accessible, and that their support needs and preferences are documented clearly and can continue to be met should your services be disrupted. This may include documenting their preferred means of communication, specific needs and preferences, health care plans, personal emergency plans, behaviour support plans, other providers, and their representatives.

Always use their preferred means of communication to explain any impact the emergency may have on the people you support. 

Notify the NDIS Commission of any changes

Registered NDIS providers must notify the NDIS Commission of certain changes and events, especially those that affect your ability to deliver the supports and services you are registered to provide.

Use the NDIS Commission Portal to notify us of any changes or events that are not due to COVID-19 (such as, for example, the evacuation of your premises due to the cyclone). 

If the changes are due to COVID-19, please use the Notification of event form – COVID-19 (registered providers).