Hunter Region put forward for NDIS launch

18 July 2012

National Disability Services (NDS) welcomes the NSW Government's commitment to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) which has been strengthened today with the NSW Government announcing the Hunter region as its preferred NDIS launch site.

The Minister for Disability Services, the Hon. Andrew Constance, held a press conference in Newcastle this morning where he announced the NSW Government's intentions to deliver a detailed proposal to the Commonwealth recommending the Hunter region.

He said of the decision, "We believe the Hunter is the best region to host a launch of the NDIS in NSW given its mix of rural and metropolitan settings, and the existence of a current single access point for community care."

In 2012, the NSW Government is investing $280 million into disability support services in the Hunter and has confirmed in their proposal that they would maintain existing funding levels for the region, provided the Commonwealth funds the remaining expenditure gap required.

The NSW Government's proposal recommends 10,000 people with disability take part in the launch and recognises that a launch site in the Hunter region would see NSW playing a key role in the implementation of an NDIS.

NDS Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Maher, stated, "We would love to see the Commonwealth and NSW Government work with the same level of bipartisanship demonstrated in Stronger Together, that has already led to greater life outcomes for people with disability in NSW."

NDS welcomes this proposal recognising that the NDIS is imperative to ensuring people with disability, their families and carers receive long term care and support, and looks forward to working further with the NSW Government to make the NDIS a reality.

Contact information:
Scott Holz, State Manager, NDS NSW, Ph 02 9256 3111, scott.holz@nds.org.au