Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Locals lend their voice to support the NDIS

Joint Media Release with:

  • Anna Burke MP, Member for Chisholm

The Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, and Member for Chisholm, Anna Burke, today visited the Oakleigh Centre in Melbourne’s east to meet with people with disability, their families and carers and discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Every day, organisations like the Oakleigh Centre are working hard to help people with disability reach their potential,” Ms Macklin said.

“A National Disability Insurance Scheme will support their hard work, and deliver the kind of care and support we expect for people with disability, their families and carers, here in Oakleigh and right across the country.

“The Gillard Government has taken the lead in delivering this fundamental reform because we know our current system isn’t delivering the kind of care and support that we all expect for people with disability.”

The Australian Government has committed more than $10 million to lay the foundations for a launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, like a common assessment tool and national quality standards.

A further $10 million is being invested for practical projects that look at how people with disability, their carers and service providers can make the transition to an NDIS.

Ms Burke said she was pleased with the strong interest local people had shown in the Government’s work on the scheme.

“I know that people in Oakleigh and surrounding areas strongly support this vital reform of the current disability support system,” Ms Burke said.

“People with disability in my community want more choice and control over the support they receive.

“They want care and support based on their needs, not a cruel lottery depending on what disability they have or where they live.

“That’s what we are working hard to deliver – a system that gives people with a disability, their families and the people who care for them the confidence there will be a helping hand when they need it most.”

Ms Macklin said there was still plenty to be done to build the NDIS, but work was underway.

“We are committed to this important reform because we know people with disability in Oakleigh deserve a better deal.

“Labor recognised that the current system was letting people down. We are getting on with the job of building a National Disability Insurance Scheme because that’s what people with disability, their families and carers need.”