Disability Speaks Media Release - National Disability Insurance Scheme, read the report for yourself

THE REPORT MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT 100% BIPARTISAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT - Media Release:- Wednesday March 2nd 2011

It will come as no surprise that the 2011 Australian Productivity Commission Report on Disability services reports just how grim things are for people with a disability in Australia

We all knew what it would say because countless state and federal reports over the last decade on disability services have already placed in front of our parliamentary leaders the grim statistics of over 360,000 people with severe and multiple disabilities living in despair.

To read for yourself please click the following link ( we suggest you download the 80 page summary first)

 http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support/draft

Key recommendations include

·         Proposing that the Federal Govt take responsibility for funding the entire needs of NDIS

·         Proposing that funding double from $6.2 billion per annum to $12.5 billion

·         Proposing the creation of the National Disability Insurance Agency

·         Proposing clients accessing services have much more choice

·         Proposing funding be provided as individualised support packages

·         Proposing full implementation by 2015

Click Here for copy of Report Summary
Public comment will be available in Adelaide on Monday 18^th April, Hotel Grand Chancellor, 65 Hindley Street (times to be advised)

Please do not assume this insurance program is going to happen

At this stage it is simply a draft discussion paper and your ongoing support to raise public awareness and support is essential

Disability Speaks looks forward to keeping you informed of progress in this important program

                                                            

EXCERPTS FROM A MEDIA CONFERENCE BY

Kevin Andrews MP

Shadow Minister for Families, Housing and Human Services

Senator Mitch Fifield

Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 28 February 2011 [Click Here for full release]

COALITION WELCOMES PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION DRAFT REPORT ON DISABILITY CARE AND SUPPORT

The Opposition today welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report on Disability Care and Support.

The Coalition has strongly supported the Productivity Commission’s work. The Draft Report is an important step towards providing a better deal for Australians with disability and their carers.

The current system of support for people with disability is broken. The status quo is not an option.

The Coalition recognises that people with disability, their carers and families deserve a better deal than they get and we need reform.

There needs to be a new system that puts the individual at the centre and in control.

The Coalition will study the Draft Report carefully.

Providing better support for people with disability should be core government business, and we note the Productivity Commission’s view that these services should be funded from core government revenue.

Good budget management is key to funding disability support.

The Coalition notes the funding options canvassed in the Draft Report and approaches them and the Final Report with an open mind. People with disability aren’t focussed on funding