Palaszczuk Budget continues strong support for people with disability

For the first time ever, Queenslanders will benefit from more than $2 billion in financial support for people with disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rollout.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said the 2018-19 State Budget had a strong focus on supporting people with disability and the continuing transition to the NDIS.

“One of our highest priorities is supporting our clients in Far North Queensland, Maryborough, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Logan, Redlands and Brisbane to successfully transition to the NDIS,” she said.

“This Budget includes $9.5 million over three years, which delivers on our commitment to provide advocacy for people with disability who have entered the NDIS to give them extra protection and support.

“Additionally, we are providing $1.7 million over three years to support nationally consistent worker screening with the implementation of a National Clearance Database to be managed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

“This funding includes Queensland’s contribution towards the database of $1.2 million over three years and an additional $500,000 in 2018-19 for the development of a Queensland Police Service electronic interface with the national database.

“It’s absolutely imperative that people with disability not only have the services and supports they need to live inclusive and fulfilled lives, but also have the safeguards and protections they need to ensure their interests are always at the forefront of the services they receive and the decisions that affect them.”

The total allocation for Disability Services in the 2018-19 State Budget is $2.177 billion – when Commonwealth Government repayments under the NDIS Bilateral Agreement are taken into account – which is an increase of 11.9 per cent on the 2017-18 Adjusted Budget.

Mrs O’Rourke said the State Budget also provided $10 million to maintain existing community nursing and allied health services  for people who have transitioned to the NDIS, when their NDIS plans do not include these services. This will be delivered through the Community Care program.

“Additionally, $6.2 million has been allocated for aids and equipment and vehicle modifications to assist people with disability access and participate in their communities,” she said.

“We know that specialist disability accommodation is particularly important as the NDIS rolls out.”

“That’s why we’ve committed a $1.716 million final instalment to the Elderly Parent Carer Innovation Initiative to provide sustainable housing options for adults with disability when they can no longer be cared for by their elderly parents.”

For more information about the 2018-19 State Budget, go to budget.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389