NDS Chief Executive on Ability Links NSW Taskforce

31 July 2012

The Minister for Disability Services The Hon. Andrew Constance MP is establishing a seven-member taskforce to provide advice on the establishment of an independent entity to deliver Ability Links NSW.

The new entity will be designed to operate at arm's length from both ADHC and the specialist disability services system.

To be chaired by the ADHC incoming Chief Executive, Jim Longley, the taskforce will include six other members with expertise in disability services, disability advocacy, government, academic, and business sectors, including NDS Chief Executive Ken Baker.

The full list of Taskforce members is:

Jim Longley (Chair), Ageing Disability and Home Care
Cain Beckett, Disability Council NSW
John Walsh, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Patricia Forsythe, Sydney Business Chamber
Peter Shergold, University of Western Sydney
Kerry Doyle, NSW Department Trade and Investment
Ken Baker, National Disability Services

The taskforce is required to report on the outcome of its deliberations by 30 September 2012.

ADHC has said that the NSW Government remains committed to Ability Links NSW being fully established by 1 July 2014 when individualised funding arrangements will become available to people with disability.

Contact Information:
Scott Holz, State Manager, NDS New South Wales, Ph 02 9256 3118, scott.holz@nds.org.au