Turnbull Government must ensure no NDIS delays from IT disaster

The Turnbull Government needs to assure Queenslanders with disability they will not be delayed from entering the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) because of a bungled Federal IT system.

In State Parliament today, Queensland Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke called on the Prime Minister and Federal Social Services Minister to fix the IT issues immediately and guarantee Queenslanders with disability would not be left behind.

“The NDIS began rolling out in Queensland and Australia on July 1, and we have already seen how life changing the scheme can be for people with disability and their loved ones,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Unfortunately, we have also seen an IT system that has been plagued with problems across the country, at this crucial time for people transitioning to the NDIS.

“I am extremely concerned Queenslanders with disability may be affected by delays as a result of another Turnbull Government IT debacle.

“Just like the disaster we saw on Census night, the Turnbull Government’s IT system has failed Queenslanders once again, and this is simply not good enough.

“I have written to Minister Porter expressing my serious concerns and seeking his assurance that these issues will be resolved quickly.

“I have also written to and met with the Chair of the NDIA, who has provided me with a full briefing and reassured me this is a short term issue. I’m advised the NDIA has developed a plan to resolve the issue and I want to see this put into action immediately.

“This Friday, I will be attending the Disability Reform Council meeting in Sydney along with other State and Territory Disability Ministers, where I will be seeking answers from Minister Porter.

“While I understand Minister Porter has ordered a review of the IT issues, I hope this doesn’t turn into a witch hunt of the NDIA and that the Minister and his department are also held to account.

“Along with other state and territory Ministers I will work closely with the Commonwealth but at the end of the day Minister Porter needs to make sure he is prioritising the timely transition to the NDIS.

“Queensland is ready for the NDIS and I want to make sure no one is delayed entering the scheme.

“Queenslanders with disability can be assured I am committed to making sure the NDIS succeeds across the state, because it is too important not to.”

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