Western Sydney speaks up to support the NDIS

The Minister Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin, and Member for Parramatta, Julie Owens, today visited Northcott Disability Services in Parramatta to meet with people with disability, their families and carers to discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Every day, organisations like Northcott Disability Services are working hard to help people with disability reach their potential,” Ms Macklin said.

“A National Disability Insurance Scheme will support their hard work, and deliver the kind of care and support we expect for people with disability, their families and carers, here in Western Sydney and right across the country.

“The Government has taken the lead in delivering this fundamental reform because we know our current system isn’t delivering the kind of care and support that we all expect for people with disability.”

The Australian Government has committed more than $10 million to lay the foundations for a launch of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, like a common assessment tool and national quality standards.

A further $10 million is being invested for practical projects that look at how people with disability, their carers and service providers can make the transition to an NDIS.

Ms Owens said she was pleased with the strong interest local people had shown in the Government’s work on the scheme.

“I know that people in Western Sydney strongly support this vital reform of the current disability support system,” Ms Owens said.

“People with disability in my community want more choice and control over the support they receive.

“They want care and support based on their needs, not a cruel lottery depending on what disability they have or where they live.

“That’s what we are working hard to deliver – one that gives people with a disability, their families and the people who care for them the confidence there will be a helping hand when they need it most.”

Northcott Disability Services CEO Kerry Stubbs said the organisation was a strong supporter of an NDIS and would keep campaigning for a new approach to disability services.

“An NDIS would transform the way services are funded and delivered, ensuring the people that rely on this assistance are better supported and have choice and control in their own lives.”

Ms Macklin said there was still plenty of work to do to build the NDIS, but work was underway.

“We are committed to this important reform because we know people with disability in Parramatta deserve a better deal.

“Labor recognised that the current system was letting people down. We are getting on with the job of building a National Disability Insurance Scheme because that’s what people with disability, their families and carers need.”

For more information on the NDIS and to receive regular updates visit www.ndis.gov.au