The NDIS turns one in Queensland

Townsville residents are being invited to the one-year anniversary of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland, with a Family Day and BBQ this weekend (Saturday, 1 July).

Disability Services Minister and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O’Rourke said North Queenslanders were the first to enter the scheme on 1 July last year, and while there had been some challenges, many families were already seeing the benefits.

“We know that with any major reform there will be bumps along the way, and with a scheme as huge as the NDIS, there is no denying there has been some challenges,” Mrs O’Rourke said. 

“But I want Queenslanders with disability to be reassured that the Palaszczuk government is absolutely committed to addressing any challenges that arise and to doing what needs to be done to make sure the scheme lives up to its true intent.  

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with many families who have started receiving their NDIS packages - to be able to hear their stories and see first-hand the positive impact it is having, is truly heart-warming.

“We want every Queenslander with disability and their families and friends to be able to experience these same life changing opportunities.

“Today’s Family Day and BBQ is all about coming together– whether you have joined the NDIS or not, whether you have a disability or not – It’s about acknowledging the challenges of what needs to be done and celebrating what is ahead of us.”

Mrs O’Rourke said the NDIS would be good news for the whole community, with more 950 extra jobs set to be created and more than $240 million injected into North Queensland communities by by-2019.

“It’s exciting to think about what the future will look like for Queenslanders with disability, their families and the sector as a whole after the NDIS rollout has finished – in 2019 and beyond,” she said.

“The complete shift in the way services will be delivered will mean a great deal for people with disability, while also opening up many opportunities for everyone in the community.

“We already have a number of organisations and sole traders signing up to be a part of the incredible business opportunities available, as well as local jobseekers.”

State Manager of NDS QLD, Richard Nelson said disability service providers were pleased to see that increasingly NDIS support packages were meeting people’s needs and people, now more than ever, had the opportunity to live a life of their choosing.

“Disability service providers are seeing an increase in demand for their services and they are employing more staff and establishing partnerships to deliver high quality services and meet increasing demand,” Mr Nelson said.

The Palaszczuk Government and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) are inviting the Townsville community to join them at the NDIS Family Day and BBQ on Saturday (1 July) at Raintree Grove, Riverway Thuringowa from 11am to 1pm.

There will be a free BBQ, entertainment and a chance to win 1 of 5 family passes to the Townsville Show.  Rain or shine this will be an all-weather event.

The NDIS is now fully operational in the Townsville, Mackay and Toowoomba transition areas.

Media Contact:                                       Minister O’Rourke’s office                           0434 849 454