Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Queenslanders support a National Disability Insurance Scheme

Joint Media Release with:

  • Jenny Macklin MP, Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Minister for Disability Reform
  • Yvette D’Ath MP, Member for Petrie

Queenslanders with a disability, their families and carers today threw their support behind a National Disability Insurance Scheme at a forum in Redcliffe, Brisbane.

The Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas and Member for Petrie Yvette D’Ath were at the forum to provide locals with an update on what this important reform of disability services in Australia will mean for them.

Minister Macklin said the Gillard Government is delivering $1 billion for the first stage of an NDIS to be rolled out in up to four locations across the country, starting from mid-2013 – a year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.

“The Australian Government is working to build a National Disability Insurance Scheme to make sure Australians with disability get the care and support they need, no matter where they live or how they acquired their disability,” Ms Macklin said.

Senator McLucas said it was important Premier Campbell Newman and his government also supported this major reform.

“It’s time for all governments to get serious about reforming disability care and support,” Senator McLucas said.

“Queensland has the lowest investment in people with disability of any state in the country.

“Meanwhile, Federal Labor has doubled funding for disability services in Queensland over the last 4 years.”

Mrs D’Ath said that the strong attendance at today’s forum was testament to the support of Queenslanders and residents of Petrie for fundamental reform of disability care and support.

“An NDIS will mean that people with disability, wherever they are, have more control and choice over the care and support they receive.

“We’re determined that they will be able to access care that meets their needs – not just whatever is available – to help them participate in school, work and the community to their full potential.”

The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to identify locations for the first stage of an NDIS.

For more information visit www.ndis.gov.au