Keynote address promotes improved NDIS for people with psychosocial disability

Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson, delivered a keynote address yesterday, at the second annual NDIS and Mental Health Conference in Melbourne.

Hosted by Mental Health Victoria and Community Mental Health Australia, the conference involves National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, carers, providers, medical professionals and academics.

The conference continues an important conversation about supporting participants with psychosocial disability through the NDIS and the broader mental health system.

“Events like this are a great opportunity to stop and reflect on the progress and challenges of the NDIS so far, hear about some of the innovative approaches being delivered, and progress our work in delivering a new era of service and support for people with psychosocial disability in Australia,” Ms Henderson said.

“Although many people with psychosocial disability are seeing significant benefits from the NDIS already, major social reforms like this take time to mature and we will continue to refine the scheme over time.”

People with severe and persistent mental health issues have improved access and support in the NDIS through a new ‘psychosocial disability stream’, announced by the Australian Government on 10 October 2018.

There are now more than 200,000 Australians with disability benefiting from the NDIS, including almost 35,000 people with a primary or secondary psychosocial disability.

“For many people with psychosocial disability, the support they now receive through the NDIS is life changing. But it is critical that we continue to discuss and share information about what is working and what we can do better as the scheme rolls out across Australia,” Ms Henderson said.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring the NDIS delivers strong outcomes for people with psychosocial disability.