Linda Reynolds says Coalition will keep ‘some form’ of independent NDIS assessments

Minister tells senators pause of rollout is to get the construction right' and future shape of assessments is the subject of consultation'

Linda Reynolds has confirmed the government will proceed with some form" of independent assessments for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, after announcing a pause" that raised advocates' hopes the policy could be scrapped.

Fronting a Senate estimates hearing on Monday, Reynolds, the new NDIS minister, and the NDIS agency's chief executive, Martin Hoffman, were also grilled about a so-called razor gang" aimed at slowing spending on packages and participant numbers.