Federal Budget 2012-13
The Australian Government has committed $1 billion to support the first stage of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The funding will see an NDIS start in mid-2013 for around 10,000 people with significant and permanent disabilities in select locations across the country. This will increase to 20,000 people from mid-2014.
The funding in the Budget includes the establishment of a new National Disability Transition Agency to run the delivery of care and support to people with disability, their families and carers in the select locations.
The initial locations will be worked out with the states and territories – who have all agreed their shared responsibility for the fundamental reform of disability care and support.
People with disability, their families and carers as well as support workers, service providers and advocates will play an important part in informing the design of the first stage of an NDIS.
This announcement is an important step towards making an NDIS real for people with disability, their families and carers, and to giving all Australians the peace of mind that if something happens to them or to a loved one, there will be a helping hand when they need it.
For more information