Putting disability reform at the centre of Government

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, has welcomed the Prime Minister’s decision to firmly place disability reform at the centre of the Gillard Government.

Ms Macklin has been appointed to the new position of Minister for Disability Reform, in addition to her responsibilities as Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. Senator Jan McLucas will continue her work as the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers.

“This appointment ensures that people with disability and their carers are at the centre of our work to build a National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Ms Macklin said.

“I am honoured to take on this position, which recognises the importance of reform of disability care and support.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us to make sure we’re delivering the kind of care and support we all expect for people with disability through a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Next year, we will focus our work on the design of the launch of an NDIS, and we will establish a Commonwealth agency to lead our work on this.

“The Government is committed to getting this important work done. The Prime Minister’s announcement today is a reflection of how serious we are about achieving this reform,” Ms Macklin said.