annecto joined people with disability, families and advocates, at an event at the MCG yesterday to hear the much awaited announcement of plans for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rollout commencing July 2016.
The Victorian and NSW governments signed a bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth that outlines the roll out plan for the next three years.
Victorian Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley hosted the presentation at the MCG.
annecto CEO Estelle Fyffe says the announcement creates certainty for people with disability and families.
“This is good news as we now know when the changes will take place and can start to plan with people for the change over.”
“It is important we understand however, that on a day to day basis, some people with disability, their loved ones, family members, continue to negotiate the system under immense pressure while living as full a life as possible.”
“It will be our job to assist to make the transition as simple as possible and not add any stress to the lives of those moving to the scheme. Organisations can now plan to make this possible.”
Full scheme roll out will commence from 1 July 2016, and is expected to be completed by 30 June 2019, in line with previous government commitments to the roll out schedule. The transition scheduled will commence in the North Western suburbs of Melbourne, moving to the central highlands, six months later. NSW areas have also been announced with Western Sydney being one of the first to commence rollout in July 2016.
Dr Rhonda Galbally, member of the Board of the NDIA and NDIA’s Independent Advisory Council reiterated the purpose behind the NDIS: Enabling people to be as independent as possible and to be included in the community.
