Tasmania ready for a National Disability Insurance Scheme

Tasmanians today threw their support behind a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas today joined more than 100 people with disability, their families and carers, local service providers and advocacy groups at a forum in Hobart today to update them on this important reform of disability services in Australia.

Minister for Community Services and Member for Franklin, Julie Collins and Tasmanian Senators Carol Brown and Catryna Bilyk all participated in the forum held in Parliament House.

Senator McLucas said the Gillard Government is delivering $1 billion for the first stage of an NDIS to be rolled out in up to four locations across the country, starting from mid-2013 – a year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.

“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.

“An NDIS has the potential to do for disability what Medicare did for health in this country, what superannuation did for retirement savings, what HECS did for education.”

“The strong attendance at today’s forum is testament to the local community’s support for fundamental reform of disability care and support.”

“An NDIS will mean people with disability have more control and choice over the care and support they receive, and are able to access care that meets their needs – not just whatever is available – to help them participate in school, work and the community to their full potential.”

Senator McLucas said the first stage of an NDIS will provide care and support to about 20,000 people with significant and permanent disabilities.

“Eligible people with disability will have their needs assessed, and will be supported to develop individual plans to deliver ongoing personalised care and support over their lifetime.”

The Australian Government is working with state and territory governments to identify locations for the first stage.

Senator McLucas thanked State Member for Denison, Scott Bacon for hosting today’s forum.

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