More than $6 million to support Northern Territory transition to NDIS

More than $6 million to support Northern Territory transition to NDIS

The Australian Government is providing more than $6 million dollars through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Sector Development Fund for capacity building projects to be managed by the Northern Territory Government.

The Hon Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, recently announced this funding as part of a $15.3 million package of support.

Mrs Prentice said the Territory was aware of issues around remote area service delivery, and these projects would help the community take further steps to get ready for the NDIS.

“The NDIS is the largest and most important change Australia has ever seen in relation to the delivery of support for people with disability,” she said.

“This funding will help the NT Government progress a number of NDIS projects, including working with local services to develop Community Plans, training Aboriginal support workers, and helping people get ready for the NDIS.

“The Northern Territory’s small population covers the third largest area of all Australian States and Territories which impacts the ability of people with disability in the Northern Territory to access disability services.

“It is important to develop targeted approaches to disability services to ensure that people with disability in the Northern Territory have access to adequate support with the rollout of the NDIS, in order to take advantage of the consumer choice and control the NDIS brings.”

The Sector Development Fund was established to assist the entire disability sector transition to the new arrangements for disability support under the NDIS.

Northern Territory Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles said the Northern Territory Government will develop Community Plans to support transition to the NDIS.

“These Plans will inform three other Sector Development Fund projects which aim to build the sector’s capacity in the Territory,” said Ms Fyles.
“The Community Plans will inform new solutions to the existing challenges associated with disability service delivery in the Northern Territory.

“The Plans will also identify ways to engage and train Aboriginal support workers in remote communities, encouraging the growth of a culturally competent workforce.”

More information on the Sector Development Fund can be found on the NDIS website.