24th September 2015
The Andrews Labor Government’s rollout of the NDIS will mean people with disability who are currently on waiting lists in the Shires of Swan Hill and Gannawarra will remain so until well into 2019.
Leader of The Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said while the NDIS had bipartisan support and was great news for local people with disabilities and their families he was concerned the rollout will miss those people who are in most need.
“The former Liberal-Nationals Government signed up to the NDIS and committed to a roll-out where all those on waiting lists regardless of where they lived received the benefits first “ Mr Walsh said.
“Under the Andrews Labor Government’s rollout clients will transition according to the area they currently live in.
“In the case of Swan Hill and Gannawarra we are the last on the list and transition will commence in January 2019.
“Until that time the status quo applies which essentially means people who are currently receiving support through the Victorian Government will continue to do so and those who are on waiting lists will remain where they are.
Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull said rolling out the NDIS to those on the waiting list first was the fairest approach.
“While there is provision for early roll out of some of the more acute cases on waiting lists everyone who is eligible stuck on a waiting list and not receiving a service at all should access the NDIS first “ Mr Bull said.
Shadow Minister for Families and Children Georgie Crozier said children in particular should have access to early intervention services under the NDIS as a priority.
“Young children with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable on our waiting lists and it is so important they have access to services as early as possible “ Ms Crozier said.
“While the NDIS is great news for these children and their families we need to make sure the rollout is done fairly and targets those in most need.”
