$3.23m to support Tasmania’s transition to the NDIS
The Australian Government is providing $3.23 million through the Sector Development Fund to assist Tasmania’s disability sector prepare for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The Hon Jane Prentice, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, said that the NDIS is one of the most significant reforms in modern Australian history and drastically changes the way disability services are provided.
“The NDIS will increase the choice and control that people with disability have over the supports they require, significantly increasing their independence and participation in the community,” she said.
“Projects funded through the Sector Development Fund will help create an efficient, responsive and innovative market that meets the needs of people with disability and their families.”
Tasmanian Minister for Human Services, Jacquie Petrusma, said the NDIS is expected to include 10,600 Tasmanians by 30 June, 2019.
“The first project, funded for $1.62 million announced at today’s Disability Workforce Industry Round table, will establish a panel of experts to help providers operate effectively in the new NDIS market in regional and rural areas,” she said.
“Two other projects will build the confidence and skill level of participants and ensure people with disability in Tasmania are confident and able to participate in the NDIS.
“The final project will promote the disability sector as a career of choice, looking to increase the supply and availability of the allied health workforce in regional, rural and remote areas.
“The Tasmanian Government will work closely with the Department and National Disability Insurance Agency to begin implementing these projects in early 2017,” Ms Petrusma said.
The Tasmanian Government will contribute $326 million over the three-year roll out of the NDIS to the full scheme in Tasmania, which is expected to create around 1,750 full time jobs in the disability services sector.
More information about the Sector Development Fund can be found on the NDIS website, at ndis.gov.au