NDIS boosts Bundaberg business opportunities

Bundaberg business leaders have gathered this morning to learn how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will support 10,000 local people with disability, while creating new jobs for the Wide Bay and Burnett region.

Disability Services Minister Coralee O’Rourke hosted the jobs forum to provide an overview of the NDIS and ways in which the scheme would boost employment and skilling opportunities in Bundaberg.

"The Productivity Commission Report indicated about 10,000 people with disability in the Wide Bay Burnett region will enter the landmark scheme by 2019," Minister O’Rourke said.

"The NDIS will improve the lives of local people with disability, while also creating huge economic benefits for the area," she said.

"At full implementation the NDIS will inject around $4 billion into the Queensland economy each year and create 13,000 new jobs in the state’s disability sector.

"The NDIS will revolutionise the way disability support services are offered and will bring greater choice and control over how people with disability receive them.

"Queenslanders with disability will become a powerful new consumer group, with around 97,000 people expected to enter the scheme by full implementation.

"Today’s forum is about letting Bundaberg businesses know how they can get on board with the NDIS and the significant opportunities the scheme will create."

Minister O’Rourke said Bundaberg was well-placed to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the NDIS.

"Bundaberg has 17 non-government disability service providers, funded by the Palaszczuk Government, already established in the region," she said.

"The region also has 70 individuals who are currently self-directing their funded supports through Your Life Your Choice, which is a great step towards preparing for the NDIS.

"The Palaszczuk Government will continue to work with local service providers and agencies to help them get ready for the NDIS."

This Bundaberg NDIS jobs forum, to be held at the Central Queensland University Campus, will be attended by representatives from local government, education, employment and training providers, economic and regional development organisations, local businesses and industry.

For more information about the NDIS visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS Hotline on 1800 800 110. For people with hearing or speech loss call TTY 1800 555 677.

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office 3719 7184