Locals show support for DisabilityCare Australia

Bayswater North families came out in force today to show their support for DisabilityCare Australia, the national disability insurance scheme.

Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin MP joined Federal Labor Member for Deakin, Mike Symon MP at Irabina Childhood Autism Services in Bayswater North today to talk with local parents and carers about the work underway to build DisabilityCare Australia.

“DisabilityCare Australia will transform the way we deliver care and support for people with disability, their families and carers, here in Bayswater North and across the country,” Ms Macklin said.

“We’ve seen today some of the great work that Irabina does in delivering early intervention services for local children living with autism with the support of parents and dedicated staff.

“I want to see all children with disability receiving these kinds of vital support services through DisabilityCare Australia, so they can get the best possible start in life.”

Mr Symon said the Gillard Labor Government was investing $1 billion to deliver the first stage of the national disability insurance scheme, which will begin in five locations across the country from July this year.

“About 26,000 people will benefit from the first stage of DisabilityCare Australia, and we’ll learn important lessons as we work to roll out the scheme across the country, including to Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs.

“DisabilityCare Australia will give peace of mind to local parents like those I’ve met today, who just want to make sure their kids are getting every chance at a long, happy and independent life.

“I’ll keep working with my colleagues in Canberra and with local stakeholders to ensure the national disability insurance scheme becomes a reality for families in our community.”

Ms Macklin said the Gillard Government had shown its commitment to a full national roll out of DisabilityCare Australia with its agreement with the New South Wales Government.

“We reached an agreement with Premier O’Farrell last year for a full roll out of DisabilityCare Australia across New South Wales by the middle of 2018,” Ms Macklin said.

“We need to see that same commitment from the Victorian Liberal Government.

“While it’s very positive that we have the first stage starting in the Barwon region in Victoria, I want to see us getting on with the job of delivering the national disability insurance scheme across the state.

“I am confident the Victorian Government will make disability a priority and I am ready to sit down with Premier Napthine so we can work through the details of delivering the full scheme in Victoria.”