Federal Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, and New South Wales Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams, today announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has reached a major milestone with 100,000 people in NSW now receiving support through the scheme.
Mr Fletcher said the NDIS is transforming the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers, as well as bringing jobs and economic growth.
"Since launching in 2013 at four trial sites across Australia – including NSW's Hunter Region – the NDIS has now grown immensely," Mr Fletcher said.
"The 100,000 people now enrolled in NSW includes more than 31,000 people who weren't previously receiving government funding disability support.
"For many people with disability in NSW, this is the first time they've had genuine choice and control over their supports. That's life-changing and has profound effects on participants as well as their communities.
"The NDIS creates new business and employment opportunities for a NSW disability sector workforce that's expected to almost double to 59,200 when the NDIS is fully operational."
Mr Williams said he was pleased to see so many people in NSW already benefiting from the NDIS.
"Together, our Governments are building and delivering the NDIS – a world-first that is so important to people with disability and their families."
"Supporting every Australian to live their best life is an enduring commitment, and NSW has been leading the way with the NDIS," Mr Williams said.
"Passing the 100,000 person milestone in NSW means more people with disability are receving supports than ever before.
"They receive better and more varied supports, have more chances to set and achieve goals and increased opportunities to engage in workplaces and our community.
"The NDIS is an important driver for the NSW economy as well. In addition to a significant increase in jobs, we have 8,760 registered providers in NSW – the largest number by state or territory nationwide.
"I am very proud of the role NSW has played in this important reform, and of the NSW Federal Government's ongoing commitment to people with disability and their families."
The NDIS is also fully rolled out in the Australian Capital Territory and South Australia, with ongoing roll-out continuing in the remaining states and territories.