Culturally and linguistically diverse carers given a voice on the NDIS
The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas and Federal Member for Chifley, Ed Husic today joined local carers of people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The meeting held in Mt Druitt is part of a wider consultation process with people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds being led by the NDIS Launch Transition Agency.
Senator McLucas and Federal Member for Chifley, Mr Husic met with the carers to explain what the NDIS is, how it will operate, and what it will mean for people with disability, their families and carers.
Senator McLucas said the meeting also provided an important opportunity to receive feedback from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and to hear their experiences of caring for their family members with disability.
“The Federal Labor Government recognises the importance of hearing the views of all Australians,” Senator McLucas said.
“Research has shown that people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can face additional barriers when finding and accessing services.
“Our Government is working hard to ensure that all people with disability, their families and carers are fully included in society.
“The NDIS will be a system that helps ensure that across Australia people have access to disability support services which will be sensitive to varying cultural needs.
“By consulting with carers such as the people the Member for Chifley, Ed Husic and I met today, we can ensure the NDIS will be able to respond effectively to the needs and concerns of all people with significant and permanent disabilities, and their carers.
Mr Husic said the National Disability Insurance Scheme is the biggest reform to the disability sector that Australia has ever seen.
“The NDIS will involve major changes in the way we work with people with disability, their families, carers and service providers, and we want to make sure we get this reform right, step by step, so we can build a system that is sustainable over time,” Mr Husic said.
“That is why the Federal Labor Government is delivering $1 billion towards the launch of the NDIS.”
“This year, the National Disability Insurance Scheme will become a reality for thousands of people with disability, their families and carers in select locations across the country- including in the Hunter region of NSW.”
By 2018-19, more than 140,000 people with disability in New South Wales alone will benefit from the NDIS.
“Once the scheme is fully rolled out, it will provide long term, high quality support for more than 410,000 people who have a permanent disability that significantly affects their communication, mobility, self-care or self-management.”
Mr Husic said he would continue to engage with the local community to ensure that people with disability, their families and carers are at the centre of this essential reform.