The Federal Government’s announcement today to commence work on the implementation of a National Disability Insurance Scheme is an important step towards improving an ailing system, ACT Minister for Disability Joy Burch said.

“I welcome the release today of the Productivity Commission’s report into Disability Care and Support, and the Federal Government’s move to show leadership on a national issue that the states and territories cannot possibly address on their own,” Ms Burch said.

“The ACT Government hopes these proposals will increase the level of support available to people with disabilities and give them greater control over the supports they receive, and I look forward to working with my interstate and Federal counterparts to progress these necessary reforms.”

The report calls for a new National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme which will provide insurance cover for all Australians in the event of significant disability. The scheme would cover the whole population and approximately 410,000 people would receive funding support.

“The ACT is well positioned for these reforms. Funding to specialist disability services in the ACT has been increased by an average of over 9 per annum since 2003.

“However, the Government acknowledges the growing demand for services. A national scheme would be a core function of government and has been likened to Medicare. This will give individuals and families the certainty they need.”

Ms Burch said the ACT Government will be an active participant in this work to ensure that people with Disability, their families, and the community partners that deliver vital services to them, get the maximum benefit from these reforms.

“The challenges of transition will require detailed analysis and careful management if a new system is to achieve efficiency, quality services and deliver on the promise of a simplified and streamlined process.”