Ipswich ready for a National Disability Insurance Scheme

The Ipswich community has signalled their strong support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme at a forum called by Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas today joined more than 40 people with disability, their families and carers, local service providers and advocacy groups to update them on this important reform of disability services in Australia.

Senator McLucas said the Gillard Government is delivering $1 billion for the first stage of an NDIS.

“The Australian Government is working to build a National Disability Insurance Scheme to make sure Australians with disability get the care and support they need, no matter where they live or how they acquired their disability,” Senator McLucas said.

“It is clear that local people with disability here in Ipswich, their families and carers, and local disability service organisations want to be part of an NDIS.

Mr Neumann said that the strength of feeling at today’s forum demonstrates the support of the Ipswich community for fundamental reform of disability care and support.

“An NDIS will give people with disability more control and choice over their care and support, wherever they live in Australia.

“Our government is determined to see that people with disability can access care and support that meets their needs, helping them to participate fully in their communities and to achieve their utmost potential.”

“Unfortunately it has become clear that the Queensland Government doesn’t see people with disability as a priority.

“Premier Newman has shown Ipswich that he isn’t serious about delivering better care and support for people with disability.”

“The Ipswich community is rallying behind the NDIS and I call on Premier Newman and local MPs Ian Berry and Sean Choat to support people with a disability in Ipswich and take this opportunity with both hands.”

Senator McLucas said it was disappointing that the Queensland LNP Government has turned their back on people with significant and permanent disabilities.

“Our government is making a $1 billion investment in the launch of an NDIS; we are prepared to do the heavy lifting to get this done.”

“Mr Newman stood by whilst other states secured NDIS launch sites and refused to put a single cent towards a launch.

“We are getting on with the job of building an NDIS – Campbell Newman is leaving Queensland behind.”

Senator McLucas and Mr Neumann thanked the Ipswich Special School for hosting today’s forum.

For more information on the NDIS, go to www.ndis.gov.au.