As we enter the festive season, it is an opportune time to reflect on the year and highlight the events and achievements of 2024.
This year we implemented the Living Life Model to ensure the LSA remains well placed to provide lifetime treatment, care and support to the growing number of Scheme participants. Two dedicated Living Life Teams now support more than 70% of the 360 active LSS Participants.
In May, the LSS Fund Levy for FY25 was formalised, marking the culmination of a lot of hard work in conjunction with our Actuary, to determine the funds required to meet future liabilities and cover lifetime treatment, care and support.
In July, we awarded 14 Research, Education & Program (REP) grants to continue supporting innovative projects that address road trauma recovery. Three researchers showcased the quality and breadth of the REP grant program at the LSA Innovate Forum in September, presenting their projects on dance therapy, vocational rehabilitation for acquired brain injury and the patient journey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
We marked the 2024-2025 financial year with a series of exciting events and initiatives to acknowledge the Scheme’s 10-year anniversary including a video highlighting the LSA’s journey over the past decade. In September, an all-staff meeting featured a Q&A with a panel of individuals with lived experience of disability and a special stakeholder event brought together those involved with setting up the no-fault Lifetime Support Scheme in South Australia, as well as those who played a key role in the LSA’s subsequent development. In November, a Participant Forum provided an opportunity for participants to connect, hear the latest news and enjoy a special cooking demonstration from the winner of Masterchef All-Stars, Callum Hann.
Over the course of the year, we completed 10 Quality Assurance Program audits to identify and implement continuous improvement activities, whilst applying numerous enhancements to our IT system to facilitate more efficient and effective operations.
We contributed to, and benefited from, knowledge sharing with our key partners and industry specialists through conferences and events including the 9th National Brain Injury Conference, the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF) national conference and the Heads of Motor Accident Insurance Schemes (HMAIS). We capitalised on these opportunities and many more to share insights and discuss issues with insurers, researchers, injury and disability specialists, service providers and individuals with a lived experience of disability, to help us all achieve better outcomes.
Thank you for all of your support in 2024. On behalf of the LSA team, have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
Regards,
Rick Howe
Chief Executive
