Budget prioritises NDIS for Queenslanders with disability

Published Tuesday, 14 June, 2016 at 04:55 PM

Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Palaszczuk Government funding for disability services will increase by more than 10 per cent in the next financial year (2016-17), with more than $1.7 billion for disability services announced in today’s State Budget. 

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the funding showed the Palaszczuk Government remained committed to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and improving the lives of people with disability.

“The Budget has recognised the importance of supporting people with disability and spells out our support for their transition to the NDIS,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The NDIS is the biggest social reform in more than 40 years and will provide greater choice and control for even more people with disability, almost doubling the number of people currently accessing services to more than 90,000,” she said.

“In this year’s Budget, we have allocated $5 million for readiness initiatives to help Queenslanders prepare for this massive change.

“Latest estimates from the National Disability Insurance Agency are that the NDIS will also support demand for 15,900 to 19,400 additional full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the state’s disability sector, supporting a total workforce of 29,450 to 35,950 FTE jobs by 2019.

“Once the NDIS rollout is complete, the Queensland Government will contribute more than $2 billion every year to the NDIS, representing the biggest investment ever for people with disability in Queensland.”

Minister O’Rourke said the Budget delivered on disability accommodation solutions, recognising the current shortage in suitable options.

“There will be $15.8 million in capital works and capital grants for a range of housing solutions for people with disability,” she said.

Other highlights of the 2016-17 Disability Services Budget include:

  • $5.6 million to provide assistance to young people with disability leaving school
  • $11.6 million to provide support for young adults with disability exiting the care of the State
  • $2.2 million to assist people with spinal cord injuries to leave the Princess Alexandra Hospital and live in the community
  • $2 million to assist people who are able to be discharged from hospital to move to community living with supports, with a priority for long-stay patients in acute hospital settings
  • $10 million for aids and equipment and vehicle modifications.

More information is available at www.budget.qld.gov.au

Media Contact:                                  Minister O’Rourke’s office                  0408 317 992