'Tasmanian NDIS Participant Adam Quarrell Calls for Accountability Following Appalling Treatment

Adam Quarrell, a Tasmanian NDIS participant, is demanding a formal apology for the way his case has been handled by the National Disability Insurance Agency and its minister, Bill Shorten.

Adam Quarrell, a participant in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), expresses profound dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). He describes his experience as reminiscent of "an abusive relationship," underscoring the emotional toll that the situation has taken on him. Quarrell laments, "We get kicked in the guts, we get slapped around," emphasizing that despite the mistreatment, NDIS remains his only source of support that he must rely on.

Since joining the NDIS in 2019, Quarrell’s issues escalated when his care plan was reviewed approximately six months ago. His medical condition—a neurological disorder—has worsened, leading to severe bladder retention problems that require him to use catheters regularly. In preparation for a meeting regarding his care plan, he diligently supplied the NDIA with a functional assessment from an occupational therapist, detailing his medical needs.

During a subsequent phone meeting with an NDIA planner, however, Quarrell felt that the planner either misunderstood his situation or failed to review the provided documentation. He recounted a particularly striking moment: “I was asked by this planner, ‘can’t you just hold it in?’” This statement left him bewildered, prompting him to reply, “I’m not inserting catheters for fun, mate.”

Quarrell has reported that the funding allocated for catheters in his plan has diminished significantly, which threatens his ability to maintain his health. He fears that without adequate supplies, he could face serious health complications, including hospitalizations and infections. In light of this, he has repeatedly requested a review of his care plan, supported by letters from his healthcare providers, including a continence nurse and a urologist.

Despite having ample documentation to justify his ongoing need for catheters, Quarrell was informed he would need to undergo an extensive five-hour continence assessment. “They have everything they could possibly have to justify me having a piss for the next six months,” he stated. He asserts that without proper access to catheters, his health will deteriorate rapidly, stressing that this is not an exaggeration but a straightforward truth.

Following a public sit-in at the NDIS office in Hobart and a series of media appearances, Quarrell was eventually contacted by the NDIA, which agreed to provide catheter funding for the upcoming six months. However, they still insisted on the long continence assessment, which Quarrell finds unnecessary given his existing documentation.

The NDIA has publicly stated that they regret the delays and are committed to ensuring Quarrell receives the necessary supports. Jo Palmer, Tasmania’s Disability Services Minister, has expressed her distress over Quarrell’s experiences and has advocated on his behalf to the NDIA’s chief executive.

Despite these developments, Quarrell remains firm in his demand for an official apology from both the NDIA and the responsible minister, Bill Shorten. His situation encapsulates the frustration and challenges many NDIS participants encounter in their pursuit of the supports they desperately need.