Media Release by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas

Inaugural meeting of NDIS Advisory Group

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today opened the inaugural meeting of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Advisory Group in Melbourne.

The Advisory Group will help steer the development of a National Disability Insurance Scheme by providing advice on progress with the foundation reforms required to fundamentally improve the system of care and support for Australians with disability and their carers.

“The Advisory Group will be important partners in our work with governments, the disability sector and the broader community as we work towards improving the system of care and support for Australians with disability and their carers,” Senator McLucas said.

Members of the Advisory Group bring a wealth of knowledge about the experience of people with disability and carers, the challenges for the service sector and in government administration at state and federal levels.

“The Advisory Group will ensure that all levels of governments receive well balanced and informed advice as we lay the foundations for reform.”

The Advisory Group will work closely with all governments as they work to deliver foundation reforms in preparation for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

They will also conduct consultations with the disability sector and a series of community consultations around the country. The Group will be supported by expert working groups to provide advice on specific elements of reform.

“Following the release of the Productivity Commission’s final report into Disability Care and Support in August, the Australian Government started work immediately to build the foundations for reform,” Senator McLucas said.

Consistent with the PC recommendations, the Australian Government has already:

  • Taken the Productivity Commission’s report to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG), where the Commonwealth, state and territory leaders established a Select Council to consider options for major reform of disability services in Australia through a National Disability Insurance Scheme which will meet on Thursday October 20;
  • Established the NDIS Advisory Group; and
  • Delivered an immediate additional investment of $10 million to support the development of the technical policy work, consistent with the recommendations of the Productivity Commission.

“The current system is not delivering the kind of care and support Australians expect for people with a disability. It is important that all governments maintain momentum to progress these important reforms as quickly as possible and work together to lay the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

More information on the National Disability Insurance Scheme is available at www.fahcsia.gov.au.