Slater & Gordon today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement to bring forward the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) by one year and to provide funding in this year’s budget to start delivering services in four locations.
Slater & Gordon general manager Cath Evans said the NDIS had the potential to transform the lives of people with a significant disability who currently did not get access to the care and support that they needed.
“There’s no doubt disability support services are severely under-funded in this country and it is important that the process of providing equal and adequate services across the country begins,” Ms Evans said.
“Many of our clients with severe disabilities face increased challenges because of the lack of support that is available.”
“We believe people with a disability and severe injuries need better support, but that support should not be changed at the expense of their existing rights.”
“Furthermore, we look forward to an increase in the options for support that are available to someone with a disability or a severe injury so that they can decide how best to live their lives.”
“Today’s announcement must be followed by an inclusive consultation process that involves with people with disabilities, their carers and the people who represent them.
Ms Evans said the second main proposal of the Productivity Commission, to introduce a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS), needed greater exploration to ensure that there was no reduction in rights or entitlements for people who have suffered a catastrophic injury and currently have access to various compensation schemes.