Find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme

Tasmanians can learn more about the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) at a series of forums now underway across Tasmania.

Commonwealth Minister for Disability Reform Jenny Macklin and Tasmanian Acting Minister for Human Services, Michelle O’Byrne, said the forums would provide important information on the launch and progress of the NDIS in Tasmania.

“The National Disability Insurance Scheme will fundamentally change the way we support people with disability,” Ms Macklin said.

“An NDIS will ensure people with disability, wherever they live, receive care and support based on their needs, and have choice and control over this support.

“The Commonwealth has invested $1 billion towards the five NDIS launch sites across Australia. We’re pleased Tasmania is a launch site for the NDIS, and that the state government has already made a commitment to be a part of this important reform.

“This will provide additional support and services to around 1,000 Tasmanians with a disability, aged between 15 and 24 from July this year.

“The local information forums will allow service providers, people with disability, their families and carers and the general public to learn more about this important initiative.”

“The NDIS is the most significant economic and social reform Australia has seen since the introduction of Medicare,” Ms O’Byrne said.

“Our involvement as an NDIS launch site will see us contribute up to $2 million a year in addition to our projected budgeted spend of $17.9 million on disability services for this age group.

“The NDIS will give these young people the control and choice over the support they need to participate in the community – economically, socially and culturally.”

The upcoming information sessions will be held at:

Devonport, Devonport and Entertainment Convention Centre

• Public Forum: 25 February, 9:00am – 11:00am and 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Service Provider Forum: 25 February, 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Launceston, Tailrace Centre

• Public Forum: 26 February, 10:00am – 12:00pm and 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Service Provider Forum: 26 February, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Hobart, Blundstone Arena Function Centre

• Public Forum: 28 February, 9:00am – 11:00am and 5:30pm – 7:30pm
• Service Provider Forum: 28 February, 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Ms O’Byrne encouraged people to attend the forums, but said there would be further opportunities to learn more, if they were unable to attend this series of meetings.

“In addition to our work on the implementation of the NDIS in Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government will continue to provide services and support to people with disability who are outside the targeted age group for the NDIS launch,” Ms O’Byrne said.

The NDIS is a joint initiative funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.

The first stage of the NDIS is being implemented in five locations across Australia, including Tasmania.

The NDIS Launch Transition Agency is working nationally and at the local level to implement the NDIS and has organised the forums.

Further information about the forums can be found at http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/disability/national_disability_insurance_scheme or you can telephone the NDIS Launch Transition Agency on 03 6233 8551.