The Federal Government has released the draft National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill, ahead of its introduction into Parliament later this week.

 

The release of the Bill follows an extensive consultation period, with State and Territory Ministers also providing feedback on the formation of the Bill.

 

Following the passage of the Bill, the NDIS will be established from the middle of next year and will provide services for over 20,000 people with a disability in five launch sites across the country – in Barwon area in Victoria, the Hunter in New South Wales and across South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

 

The Bill creates the framework for a national scheme, including eligibility criteria, age requirements, and what constitutes reasonable and necessary support.

 

The framework set up by the legislation will be supported by detailed rules that keep it flexible and allow it to be adapted. Consultation on these detailed rules will occur with people with disability, their families, carers, service providers and advocates in the coming months.

 

The Bill also gives effect in part to Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

 

A Legislation Overview has been developed to explain the Bill and provide information on how you can have a say on the Bill.  The overview and further information about the scheme can be found here