The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was put forward by the
Productivity Commission in its report Disability Care and Support, which was
submitted to government on 31 July 2011 and publicly released by the Prime
Minister on 10 August 2011. The NDIS proposes a way forward for Australia.
PwC brought together an expert team with extensive experience in the disability support system. The aim of the group has been to answer the question “What is required to deliver the NDIS?”
This paper provides a brief history of disability in Australia and, as part of its focus, draws on international experience and comparisons. One of the most telling and challenging statistics is that Australia ranks 21st out of 29 OECD countries in employment participation rates for those with a disability. In addition, around 45% of those with a disability in Australia are living either near or below the poverty line. These facts alone show us that we need to change.
The paper explores the NDIS from different perspectives starting with the person with a disability, then the family, then support organisations, and finally the government or National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The biggest challenge for Australia is to provide an environment for change which allows for a cultural shift across all parts of our society. Active participation of those with a disability in society generally can only occur with a change in attitude. This is something that can’t be legislated; people need to see the reason why change is important.
I urge you to think about the four principles we have put forward in this paper: Fairness, Facilitation, Choice and Inclusion and ask whether there is anything you or your organisation can do to help bring about change.
Improving the lives of those with a disability is the responsibility of all Australians.
Chris Bennett
Partner
Government Sector Leader PwC
PwC brought together an expert team with extensive experience in the disability support system. The aim of the group has been to answer the question “What is required to deliver the NDIS?”
This paper provides a brief history of disability in Australia and, as part of its focus, draws on international experience and comparisons. One of the most telling and challenging statistics is that Australia ranks 21st out of 29 OECD countries in employment participation rates for those with a disability. In addition, around 45% of those with a disability in Australia are living either near or below the poverty line. These facts alone show us that we need to change.
The paper explores the NDIS from different perspectives starting with the person with a disability, then the family, then support organisations, and finally the government or National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The biggest challenge for Australia is to provide an environment for change which allows for a cultural shift across all parts of our society. Active participation of those with a disability in society generally can only occur with a change in attitude. This is something that can’t be legislated; people need to see the reason why change is important.
I urge you to think about the four principles we have put forward in this paper: Fairness, Facilitation, Choice and Inclusion and ask whether there is anything you or your organisation can do to help bring about change.
Improving the lives of those with a disability is the responsibility of all Australians.
Chris Bennett
Partner
Government Sector Leader PwC
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