NDIS Select Council

On 19 August the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to the need for major reform of disability services in Australia through a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Given the high priority that all governments place on disability care and support, COAG agreed to the establishment of a Select Council on Disability Reform, chaired by the Commonwealth, to consider the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s report.

At the first meeting of the Select Council on 20 October 2011, all Ministers agreed to lay the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme by mid-2013 – a year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.

At the second meeting of the Select Council in February 2012 Council Co-Chairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Wayne Swan, and Disability Reform Minister, Jenny Macklin led a productive meeting. Discussions reflected the commitment of all Ministers to build a system that will give Australians the peace of mind to know that they will receive the support they need, should they have or acquire a disability that leaves them needing help with everyday life, or if they care for someone who has a disability.