Deb Leonard, independent candidate for Monash, has announced a plan to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), saying it would put people with disabilities back at the heart of the program.

"The NDIS should be about supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives, not creating stress and anxiety through complicated processes," Ms Leonard said.

"We need to recognise and respect that every participant is unique and has unique support needs."

As an independent voice in Parliament, Ms Leonard pledged to bring "common sense, evidence-based decision making, and compassion" to the NDIS, saying her goal was to put people back at the centre of the scheme.

Ms Leonard's reform agenda focuses on four key areas: a more efficient and compassionate system, fair and consistent funding, provider accountability, and evidence-based support.

To create a more effective and caring NDIS, Ms Leonard said she will fight to ensure funding meets individual participant needs, establish fair and transparent planning and review procedures, push for proper training of NDIS staff, address issues facing rural and regional participants, enable in-school support funding, and accommodate changing needs over time.

On funding, she will advocate for transparent guidelines, longer plan durations for stable conditions, and decisions that prioritise participant outcomes and quality of life. She will also support the development of a transparent and reliable forecasting system.

To boost provider accountability, Ms Leonard will work to implement stronger quality safeguards, close loopholes that enable fraud or profiteering, and support the development of more service options in rural and regional areas.

She also said she will insist the NDIS follow individualised recommendations from clinical professionals and fund demonstrably effective therapies and supports, and will back ongoing research and development of effective disability supports.

Lastly, to improve communication, Ms Leonard said her plan will enhance communication between the NDIS, participants, carers and families, establish a dedicated contact point to solve issues, develop clear information resources, and put in place an advisory team to keep her informed on NDIS improvements.

Health care

Ms Leonard also announced her plan to address the critical health and aged care needs of the Monash community.

"Our community has been left behind when it comes to health and aged care," she said.

"As your representative, I will work tirelessly to improve access to healthcare services, tackle our mental health crisis head-on and support our ageing population in Monash."

To improve access to healthcare services, Ms Leonard said she will advocate for lowering health costs by expanding the Medicare safety net, reducing wait times for appointments, ensuring accessible specialist services across Monash, funding affordable transport to city appointments, focusing on preventative health measures, and building the new West Gippsland Hospital.

She also pledged to fight for more mental health services, to secure acute mental health beds, expand outpatient services and step-up step-down facilities, increase Medicare-covered mental health sessions, fund suicide prevention and support programs, and support community groups that foster social connection.

"There are currently no acute mental health beds in all of Monash. We also need accessible youth mental health facilities in our town centres. Too many in our community have been rocked by suicide — we deserve better."

Ms Leonard said she was also dedicated to supporting Monash's aging population by expanding local aged care facilities, increasing and improving home care packages, and simplifying the My Aged Care system.

"As an independent, my sole focus is on delivering the best outcomes for the people of Monash," she said.

"Together, we can ensure that our community receives the health and aged care services it deserves."