LATEST UPDATE FROM THE NDIS STATE CO-ORDINATOR

Let’s get NDIS-ready!

A short time ago Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the Federal Government will support the recommendations by the Productivity Commission in its final report of 31 July 2011 to introduce a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which the Prime Minister described as a “report of importance to every Australian.”

“We wanted to get started towards introducing a national disability insurance scheme” the Prime Minister stated.

The Federal Government will move to make the disability system “NDIS-ready” by making available $10 million to undertake the foundation work to underpin the successful development and operation of the NDIS, which is expected to be fully rolled out by 2018.

The Government will start work with State and Territory governments at next week’s COAG meeting to begin the preliminary work towards the NDIS, including developing a common assessment tool.  A select disability reform council and an advisory committee will be established tol inform the process of working towards an NDIS.

Assistant Treasurer and former Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Bill Shorten described the Government’s support for the NDIS as “a milestone” and reinforced the economic benefit of the NDIS, which he stated will deliver “economic dividends into the future” as well as end the “midnight anxiety of ageing carers.”

We will provide a full analysis of the report and the work that lies ahead as soon as possible, including seeking commitment by the Opposition to support the introduction of the NDIS.

Every Australian Counts campaign media release:

http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/media-release-federal-government-commits-to-national-disability-insurance-scheme/

As Minister Jenny Macklin said:

“This is your day.” 

Let’s pause to savour this historic moment,  thank each other for everything each of us has done to get us here, remember the efforts of all who have battled for decades to achieve this reform and then get on with making the NDIS the best it can possibly be for Australians with disability and their families.

With best wishes – and congratulations