Shaping the future for Disability Services

Key stakeholders from across the State have gathered in Brisbane today, to explore how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will positively change the disability sector in Queensland, at the NDS Queensland Conference.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke officially launched the two day conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at South Bank and welcomed the theme ‘Shaping the Future, Preparing for Change’.

“This year’s conference is all about the positive changes happening in the disability sector, both nationally and in Queensland, with the introduction of the NDIS,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Fundamentally, the NDIS will support people with disability to live the lives they choose, to chase their dreams with appropriate support, and not be bound by what others perceive they can achieve.

“By full implementation in July 2019, disability services will move from State to Commonwealth responsibility - this is an unprecedented change, and a major reform for the disability sector.

“I’m pleased this year’s conference has attracted an expert group of local and national speakers, who will share their knowledge and experience, so that we can achieve best practice in Queensland.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the NDIS had already started in North Queensland for young people aged under 18 years in Townsville and Charters Towers, and all eligible people with disability aged under 65 years on Palm Island. 

“Establishing an early launch of the NDIS in Queensland was one of our key election commitments, and this is a government that keeps its promises,” she said.

“The early launch group started their planning with Local Area Coordinators in January, and this month they are starting to receive their funded packages.

“We will use key learnings from these launch sites, as we implement the scheme state-wide, to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

“Like the introduction of Medicare 40 years ago, the NDIS is a Labor initiative, and our government is committed to ensuring it becomes a corner stone in our communities.”

Last month, the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments signed the Bilateral Agreement to give certainty to Queenslanders with disability about their futures and how the NDIS will roll out across the rest of state over three years.

NDS Queensland State Manager Richard Nelson said this year’s NDS conference would focus attention on shaping the sector’s preferred future. 

“It was our vision that inspired us to action,” Mr Nelson said.

“It will be our continuing vision that will ensure we come together as Queenslanders to drive the innovation and creativity that is required to build new futures of which we can be proud.”

For more information on the NDS Queensland Conference visit www.nds.org.au

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  3719 7190