Newman’s numbers don’t add up on NDIS

The Australian Government welcomes the interest of the Queensland Government in much-needed reform to disability care and support in that state.

I am concerned however that Campbell Newman is raising the hopes of people with disability in Queensland.

Today’s announcement by the Queensland Government does not meet the benchmark of funding for a National Disability Insurance Scheme across the state.

In fact, it falls far short.

In today’s press conference Premier Newman did not explain how his numbers add up.

The Australian Government has sought urgent clarification from Queensland but so far no response has been received.

Last week the Prime Minister made clear that the New South Wales agreement set a benchmark for national roll out. This will see the state contribute 48.6 per cent of scheme costs and the Australian Government contribute 51.4 per cent.

Queensland needs to step up and meet this benchmark, just like New South Wales has.

The Australian Government is eager to begin serious discussions with the Queensland Government on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. However it is difficult for these discussions to commence with this degree of uncertainty. It is disappointing that to this point, the Queensland Government has not sought detailed engagement with the Australian Government, as officials in all other states have done.