Cairns businesses urged to embrace NDIS opportunities

Published Monday, 13 March, 2017 at 08:30 AM

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

Cairns business leaders will gather today to learn how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will bring significant growth and economic opportunity to the region.

Disability Services Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said preparation was the key to taking advantage of the opportunities offered under the landmark reform, and encouraged local businesses to find out more.

“By mid-2020, Cairns will receive more than $250 million a year to help around 4,700 people with disability in the region” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“This development could also support up to 2000 jobs in the region, and those looking for a career change into disability services will have plenty of opportunity.

“We will be looking for a range of roles such as support workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, case managers, customer service and community engagement workers.

“Existing and budding business owners will also have opportunities to branch out as demand grows,” she said.

“There really are endless opportunities, from ballet schools to respite camping adventures, I’d urge you to be creative.

“We are encouraging people with disability, service providers and local businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and to share their diverse experiences, and that’s what today’s NDIS Business Breakfast is all about.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was working to create more inclusive communities across the state, to increase opportunities for people with disability.

“With the help of Queenslanders of all abilities, we're creating a new disability plan for Queensland that will pave the way towards a more inclusive future,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“State-wide consultation on our Government’s ‘Towards an all abilities Queensland’ consultation paper closed at the end of February, and now we're reviewing all the great feedback we received.

“This feedback will help direct future policies across five key areas of personal and community relationships, recreation and tourism, working and learning, key services, and leadership and contribution.

“By connecting individual experiences from across the state, we aim to find a collective vision on how we can make Queensland more inclusive and accessible.”

The NDIS will start rolling out in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Tablelands, Croydon, Etheridge, Cape York and Torres Strait from 1 July next year.

When fully implemented, the NDIS will inject approximately $4 billion of Commonwealth and State funds into the Queensland economy each year.

For information on the NDIS rollout visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110. 

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