Queensland readies for the NDIS

Two expert teams have been announced to help prepare families for the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2016, making Queensland among the best organised states in Australia.

Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said Queensland was on track with its preparations for the NDIS which, when fully implemented, would mean better health care and improved day-to-day lives for an estimated 97,000 Queenslanders.

“This is great news and for Queenslanders with a disability, their families and their carers as we revitalise frontline disability services as we promised at the election,” Ms Davis said.

“Everyone wants to make sure that the NDIS rollout in Queensland from 2016 is as smooth and effective as possible.

“Our government has a strong plan to improve these services, which will create a brighter future for people with a disability and their families.

“As part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to the NDIS, four experienced staff from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will join the 70–strong Queensland Government NDIS Readiness Team in Brisbane and Townsville.

“Queensland is well placed, and with the NDIA on the ground Queenslanders will continue towards a seamless transition from 2016.”

Ms Davis said this was the next step in the state’s preparation for the scheme following the release of the Queensland Disability Plan, the Queensland Disability Conference and success of initiatives aimed at getting the state NDIS–ready.

“The Newman Government has been working hard to prepare Queenslanders to transition to the NDIS, including through the Your Life Your Choice initiative, which already has more than 1,100 participants self-directing their disability supports,” she said.

“The Labor Party has no plan for implementing this important scheme that will give choice and control to people with a disability in Queensland.”

Ms Davis said the NDIS Readiness Team’s work will include:

• helping to determine the eligibility of existing clients for the NDIS
• enabling as many eligible clients as possible to have individual plans
• enabling people with disability, their family and carers to know how to purchase their disability supports
• training Queensland Government staff in NDIA assessment and planning activities
• preparing detailed plans for the areas that will be phased into the NDIS, taking into account the number of clients, service providers and the workforce required
• assisting non-government organisations providing disability supports to be ready to operate under the NDIS from mid- 2016

For more information about Queensland’s transition to the NDIS visit: http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/reform-and-renewal/disability-services/national-disability-insurance-scheme-in-queensland

[ENDS] 9 July 2014

Media Contact: Katherine Fraser 0417 172 480