Queensland reaches major NDIS milestone

Published Monday, 01 July, 2019 at 09:21 AM

Minister for Communities and Minister for Disability Services and Seniors
The Honourable Coralee O'Rourke

Today (1 July) marks a significant milestone for the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland with the NDIS becoming fully operational.

The NDIS is now available in all areas of Queensland.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke reflected on this significant marker for the NDIS transition in Queensland, also known as the start of ‘full-scheme’ operations.

“It’s important to acknowledge how far we have come with what is a major social reform for Queensland and Australia,” said Mrs O’Rourke.

“Although there is still work to do to ensure the scheme continues to deliver for Queenslanders with disability, I am extremely proud of the work the Palaszczuk Government and the disability sector have done together to reach this milestone.

Since 2016 the Palaszczuk Government has overseen and facilitated the implementation of the landmark scheme for Queensland.

“At the end of June 2017, there were just over 7,000 participants in the scheme and around 1,500 providers registered with the NDIS to deliver services,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We have done the heavy lifting during the roll out, and as a result there are now approximately 60,000 Queenslanders in, or seeking access to, the NDIS, and there are well over 5,000 registered NDIS providers.

“I am especially pleased that approximately 30% of Queensland participants are people who have never before received services.”

The NDIS is also delivering a boost to the Queensland economy and jobs market.

“Over $3 billion in support dollars have already been committed in Queensland participants NDIS plans,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

Minister O’Rourke said that while this is a significant milestone, the full scheme marker of 1 July does not mean that work to support Queenslanders with disability stops.

“Vital services and supports for Queenslanders with disability will continue alongside the NDIS, with the Palaszczuk Government investing more that $200 million in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget,” she said.

“The Palaszczuk Government will also closely monitor the scheme’s performance to ensure the funding Queensland is investing in the NDIS is providing people with disability the supports and services they need.”

People with disability who need support are encouraged to apply for access to the scheme.

More information is available at www.ndis.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389