A cuppa in Ayr to support a National Disability Insurance Scheme
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas today visited the Endeavour Foundation in Ayr in North Queensland to share a cuppa in support of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
This Friday, thousands of people across Australia will participate in DisabiliTEA events to support the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Senator McLucas joined around 40 people with disability, their families and carers along with staff at Endeavour for afternoon tea where they signalled their strong support for an NDIS.
“Every Australian Counts has driven a significant campaign, helping people with disability, their families and carers find a voice to tell Australia that the current system is underfunded and inefficient, and is not delivering adequate support for people with disability,” Senator McLucas said.
“It has been great to meet with locals in Ayr today who are really behind this campaign.”
“The Gillard Government has heard this message loud and clear and is investing $1 billion to launch the first stage of a NDIS.”
From the middle of next year, the first stage of an NDIS will begin rolling out in South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, the Hunter in New South Wales and the Barwon area of Victoria.
“This will involve major changes in the way that we work with people with disability, their families and carers, and we want to make sure that we get this reform right so that we build a system that is sustainable over time.”
Senator McLucas said Queenslanders with a disability have waited too long for the care and support they deserve.
“We made it clear in our budget what our priorities were by committing $1 billion to roll out the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“If Campbell Newman wants to show he is serious about changing the lives of people with disability in Queensland, he should show he is serious about a National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
“The Queensland Government currently provides less for every person than any state. That has to change.”
“An NDIS will make sure Australians with disability get the care and support they need, no matter where they live or how they acquired their disability.”
“I heard today from parents who worry about what will happen to their children when they can no longer care for them.”
“An NDIS will give certainty to families and ageing carers. It will give people with disability, their families and carers that flexibility and choice to make the solution that suits them.”
Senator McLucas thanked Pat Strathdee, a local disability advocate, for her work in organising today’s event.