National Disability Insurance Scheme: NSW Launch Site Announced

1 August 2012

NDS Media Release

National Disability Services (NDS) welcomes today's announcement by the Federal and State governments of a NSW launch site in the Hunter Region for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Ken Baker, NDS's Chief Executive, said "We should celebrate this significant step forward in establishing a National Disability Insurance Scheme and congratulate the ministers and government leaders for enabling it to happen."

"A fully-implemented NDIS will provide people with disability with the support services, equipment and therapy they need. The scheme will give people with a disability choice about services and support to achieve goals."

"We are yet to evaluate all of the details of today's announcement, but on face value it is a win for the disability community and for the public interest. The Hunter will host Australia's largest NDIS launch site and - with the launch sites in other parts of Australia - create the foundation for a national scheme."

"The disability community is counting on our political leaders not to let their political differences get in the way of delivering this historic national reform for people with disability, their families and all Australians. Today's joint announcement from the NSW and Federal Ministers has set a great example of co-operation."

Ken Baker concluded: "While today's news is great, the task ahead in building the NDIS is daunting and will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders. There are questions relating to the design, the long-term funding and the governance of the NDIS still to resolve. The success of the scheme will hinge heavily on the work of non-government organisations and their capacity to attract, train and retain a larger workforce. Information gathered as the NDIS launch sites develop should help us tackle these important questions and challenges."

Contact:
Daniel Kyriacou, Corporate Communications Manager, National Disability Services, Mbl 0421 937 511