Parties commit to National Disability Insurance Scheme
16 August 2010
All major parties have confirmed they will commit to fundamental reform of the disability sector in their next term if elected, including supporting the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
On behalf of the National Disability and Carer Alliance, NDS circulated the following statement to the Coalition, the Australian Greens, and the Australian Labor Party. All three declared their support for the statement - a summary of each party's position is attached (RTF 24KB).
The current disability support system is unsustainable and indefensible. It is chronically under-funded, inefficient, inequitable and, most seriously, fails to meet the needs of Australians with a disability, their families and carers. Unless there is fundamental change, the gap between the need for disability services and their availability will grow.
We therefore call on all parties to commit to major reform of the disability services system immediately following the final report from the Productivity Commission's Inquiry into a Disability Care and Support Scheme, due in July 2011.
The reforms, most importantly the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme, should create a system that is equitable, efficient, sustainable and based on self determination. The person with a disability, their family or carer should be placed at the centre - exercising choice, control and receiving the services and supports they require for as long as they require them.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme has been endorsed by other parties including the Carers Alliance, Family First and the DLP.
The National Disability and Carer Alliance has issued a media release (Word 41KB), which can be circulated. The Alliance was formed last year by National Disability Services, Carers Australia and the National Federation of Disability Organisations to pursue the structural and systemic changes necessary to improve the lives of people with a disability, their families and carers in this country. The Alliance is united in strong support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Contact Information:
Ken Baker, Chief Executive, NDS National, Ph 02 6283 3200, ken.baker@nds.org.au
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