Ministers welcome NDIS for Western Sydney kids

NSW Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka and federal Assistant Minister for Social Services Mitch Fifield today welcomed the announcement of a joint National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) next stage plan by NSW Premier Mike Baird.

Mr Baird today announced that a re-elected Liberals & Nationals Government would sign an agreement with the Commonwealth to start delivering much-needed early intervention services for up to 2,000 children under the age of 18 from September this year, rather than July 2016 as currently scheduled.

“I’ve seen first-hand how early intervention allows kids with disability to attend mainstream schools, and participate fully in life. I’ve also seen how many families have to wait for these services,” Minister Ajaka said.

“This will provide young people with disability living in Penrith and the Blue Mountains access to the NDIS one year ahead of schedule.

“A hallmark of the Baird Government has been its commitment to protect and support vulnerable members of our community and that is why giving young people faster access to the NDIS is one of our priorities.”

Minister Fifield said that people with disability, their supporters and families should feel encouraged that the Scheme is proceeding so well in NSW.

“We will continue to work with the NSW Government on a roll-out schedule for the NDIS across the rest of the State from 2016,” Minister Fifield said.

“The hard work we’ve put into this early rollout, and our excellent working relationship with the Baird Government, will see young people with disability in a high-need area like Western Sydney get this vital assistance sooner.

“Both the Baird and Abbott governments are committed to a better deal for people with disability, and to increasing their choice and control over the services that they use. The announcement today is a demonstration of that commitment.”