NDIS needs Federal action or scheme will be compromised

Queensland’s Disability Services Minister has put the Turnbull Government on notice after further issues have emerged this week with the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the Queensland Transition Advisory Group (QTAG) had raised serious concerns with her that the initial contact and planning process being provided by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) was not good enough.

“I’m incredibly concerned to hear that for some clients with disability, particularly those with more complex circumstances, the experience has been impersonal and not appropriate for their needs,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This flies in the face of the true intent of the NDIS, to empower people with disability to have a tailored, individual plan providing the supports they need to live the lives they choose,” she said.

“The NDIS is too important to let these issues continue.

“Federal Social Services Minister Christian Porter needs to step up and take responsibility for this, so the NDIS can start creating meaningful change for people with disability.”

Minister O’Rourke said the latest issues followed the Turnbull Government’s IT disaster which had impacted progress of the NDIS rollout.

“I have repeatedly raised my concerns with Minister Porter, including at the Disability Reform Council (DRC) meeting in September, about the need for Queensland’s rollout to occur on schedule,” she said.

“Despite Minister Porter reassuring me that the scheme will be back on track by the end of the year, his lack of action is telling me a different story.

“Queensland has done and will continue to do everything possible to assist the NDIA, including temporarily transferring 14 staff to support the Agency in North Queensland where the scheme is rolling out.

“My Department is holding regular fortnightly meetings with the NDIA and senior officials from the Department of Social Services, but we need action from the top and that needs to come from the Minister.

“I understand Victoria’s Disability Minister Martin Foley has similar concerns, and we will be asking for issues with the rollout of the scheme to be addressed at the next COAG meeting.”

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7170