News

Disability | October 06, 2015

NDIS rollout causes service delays for locals

The Andrews Labor Government’s rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Victoria will leave people on the waiting list in Lowan until 1 October 2017.

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said while the NDIS had bipartisan support and was great news for local people with disabilities and their families, she was concerned the rollout would miss some people who were in most need.

“The former Liberal-Nationals Government signed up to the NDIS and committed to a roll-out where all those on waiting lists, regardless of where they lived, received the benefits first,” Ms Kealy said.

"It's very disappointing that Labor has chosen not to follow the program we proposed.

“Under the Andrews Labor Government’s rollout, some people who are already receiving disability services will be transitioned while those on waiting lists in the Western District region will continue to wait.

“Rolling out the NDIS to those on the state-wide waiting list first is the fairest approach.

“This is what we, The Nationals, committed to do and it’s what carer groups wanted.

“While there is provision for early roll out of some of the more acute cases on waiting lists, everyone who is eligible, stuck on a waiting list and not receiving a service at all, should access the NDIS first.

“Children, in particular, should have access to early intervention services under the NDIS as a priority.

“Young children with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable on the waiting lists and it is so important they have access to services as early as possible.

“While the NDIS is great news for these children and their families, we need to make sure the rollout is done fairly and targets those in most need,” Ms Kealy said.