Federal Budget delivers DisabilityCare for Queenslanders

People with disability, their families and carers came together in Brisbane today to celebrate DisabilityCare Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme, being rolled out across Queensland.

Federal Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin met children with disability at Nursery Road State School in Holland Park and updated their parents and carers on the Federal Budget and the next steps to make DisabilityCare a reality in Queensland.

The 2013-14 Federal Budget provided $14.3 billion over seven years to 2018-19 to roll out DisabilityCare Australia nationally, on top of existing Commonwealth disability funding.

Ms Macklin said the agreement reached with the Queensland Government earlier this month meant DisabilityCare will start being rolled out across the state from July 2016.

“DisabilityCare Australia will benefit about 2,000 people with disability, their families and carers here in the electorate of Bonner, including children like those I’ve met today,” Ms Macklin said.

“DisabilityCare will give local people the peace of mind that if their child or loved one has a significant and permanent disability, they will get the care and support they need, when they need it.

“By July 2019, DisabilityCare Australia will provide around 97,000 Queenslanders with disability and their families with more support, and more choice and control over how they receive it.”

The Federal Budget also provided long term funding for DisabilityCare Australia through an increase to the Medicare Levy of 0.5 per cent and through responsible savings measures.

“The Budget makes the responsible decisions that are needed to fund DisabilityCare for the long term. This unprecedented funding security gives people with disability, their families and carers in Queensland the certainty they deserve,” Ms Macklin said.

Under the agreement reached with the Queensland Government, in 2019-20 when DisabilityCare is fully rolled out across Queensland:

• The Queensland Government will contribute around $2.0 billion to the scheme.
• The Australian Government will contribute around $2.1 billion to the scheme for Queensland residents. In addition, the Commonwealth will cover the full cost of people who turn 65 and choose to remain in the scheme.
• $197 million will be allocated to Queensland from the increase in the Medicare Levy, to assist with the cost of the scheme in Queensland.

Ms Macklin said DisabilityCare would be especially important for families with children with disability, with the scheme having a strong focus on early intervention support.

“We know early intervention services like physiotherapy, speech therapy and support for learning difficulties are critical in giving children the best possible start in life.

“DisabilityCare will mean children with disability get the right support early in their lives so they can reach their full potential as adults.”

Ms Macklin said the Gillard Government would continue to work closely with Queenslanders over the next few years to make DisabilityCare a reality.

“We are transforming the way we support people with disability, and it’s important that we get it right.

“Over the next couple of years we will lay important groundwork for DisabilityCare with the Queensland Government and local service providers, including introducing greater consumer choice and control.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I know that by working in partnership with people with disability, their families and carers, we can build a scheme that stands the test of time.

“I’m really proud to be part of a Labor Government that is building DisabilityCare for all Queenslanders.”

For more information and to receive updates on DisabilityCare Australia visit www.ndis.gov.au