NDIS has commenced roll out across 70 per cent of Victoria

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has now commenced roll out across 70 per cent of Victoria, with the Scheme starting in Southern Melbourne from today.

September 1 marks a significant milestone – with the NDIS now having commenced roll out in 11 of the 16 areas in Victoria scheduled to enter the Scheme by 2020.

More than 42,000 Victorians are currently accessing the Scheme, including more than 8,000 people who are receiving support for the first time.

The rollout in Southern Melbourne is forecast to increase the number of people receiving disability support in the Southern Region by more than 5,000 people by 2020.

Minister for Families and Social Services Paul Fletcher said the roll out of the NDIS was already having a positive impact on people with a disability in Victoria, as well as bringing jobs and economic growth to the state.

“The NDIS is life changing for participants,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports for people under the age of 65 with a significant and permanent disability – to help them in their everyday lives and assist them to engage in their communities.

“Once fully implemented, the NDIS is expected to support about 105,000 people with disability in Victoria. The NDIS will also create more than 2,250 jobs locally in Southern Melbourne and up to 42,000 jobs in disability services in Victoria.

“Over the coming years, an additional $350 million will be injected into the local Southern Melbourne economy and $2.5 billion into the Victorian economy.”

The National Disability Insurance Agency is working to engage Early Childhood Early Intervention and Local Area Coordination partners in the region to help participants navigate the NDIS and connect them with other community services.