A Crucial Time for the Leaders of Disability Services

[Another email extract from NDS showing the importance for families to become more active in encouraging both service organisations and political parties to push hard for change that will improve the accommodation and employment opportunities for their disabled family members. Carefully read the Italic pieces below.]

5 November 2010

NDS members will hear from the three major parties at this year's CEO Meeting, the ALP, the Coalition and the Greens. With power in the Federal Parliament so finely balanced, progress of major disability policy will depend on support across political parties. Senator Jan McLucas, the new Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers; Senator Mitch Fifield, Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector; and Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens Whip have all agreed to speak about their policy priorities.
Also at the CEO Meeting John Della Bosca, National Campaign Director for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, will describe and launch the national campaign that he will drive over the critical year ahead.  The Productivity Commission is on track to release its draft report on disability services reform at the end of February and the final report to Government by the end of July 2011.
In her opening address to the Federal Parliament at the end of September, which outlines the Government's agenda, the Governor-General said: "The long-term care and support needs of people with disability is a national priority that demands a national response. The Government therefore looks forward to giving careful consideration to the Productivity Commission's forthcoming report on a national disability insurance scheme." Minister Jenny Macklin has since reiterated that disability reform will be a social policy priority for the Gillard Government.
In a related development, all State and Territory governments have now agreed to the draft National Disability Strategy. Once it is formally endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments, an implementation plan - including indicators of progress - will be developed. The Strategy will shift the focus of disability service providers and they need to be engaged in working out how the Strategy can best be given practical effect.
The direction of employment services - both open and supported - is currently also a live discussion within Government.
Disability services are potentially facing significant changes over the next couple of years.