Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Darwin locals speak up for the NDIS

Joint Media Release with:

  • Senator Trish Crossin, Senator for the Northern Territory

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and Senator for the Northern Territory, Trish Crossin, today joined people with disability, their families and carers and local service providers at two community forums held in Lyons.

Senator Crossin said the forum was an important opportunity for the local community to have their say about the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“The NDIS will give all Australians the peace of mind to know that if they have or acquire a disability that leaves them needing daily assistance with everyday life, or if they care for someone who has a severe or permanent disability, that they will get the support they need, when they need it,” Senator Crossin said.

“We know that Territorians are eager to see the National Disability Insurance Scheme get off the ground.”

“We are getting on with the job of building the NDIS and want to make sure that people with disability, their families and carers and the disability sector are included in that process so that we can build a sustainable system over time.”

Ms Liz Reid who has worked in the disability sector for the last 20 years addressed the forum and said she was excited about the NDIS and the opportunities it offered.

“This is the first real opportunity to open up dialogue between people with disability and government and it is changing the face of Australia in recognising people with disability as proactive and contributing members of society,” Ms Reid said.

Senator McLucas said the National Disability Insurance Scheme will deliver the biggest reform to the disability sector that Australia has ever seen.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme will fundamentally change the way we support people with a disability, their families and carers,” Senator McLucas said.

“The Gillard Government knows that people with disability, their families and carers have waited too long for change. That’s why the Federal Labor Government is delivering $1 billion for the first stage of the NDIS.

“This year, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will become a reality for thousands of people with disability, their families and carers in select locations across the country.”

Under the NDIS, people with a disability will:

  • work with local people to identify their plans and goals for the future;
  • be assessed to receive individualised care and support packages;
  • have decision-making power about their care and support, including choice of service provider;
  • be assisted by local coordinators to help manage and deliver their support; and
  • access a system they can easily navigate that links them to mainstream and community services.

Senator McLucas said the Federal Labor Government would continue engaging people with disability, their families and carers and the disability sector in the local community.

“It’s clear from the representation we’ve had today that local people with disability, their families and carers and service providers support the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Senator McLucas said.

“We will continue talking to the Northern Territory Government and the local community as we work towards the launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

For more information on the NDIS or to express your views on the policy you can take part in the ‘Your Say’ forums at www.yoursay.ndis.gov.au or visit www.ndis.gov.au.