Federal Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has refused to support the Federal Government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), describing it as a cruel hoax that will promote false hope before states commit to funding the scheme.

 

In an address to the National Press Club, Mr Hockey said the Opposition refuses to support the move as it is unclear where the funding will come from.

 

"A number of state treasurers have said to me they haven't got the money that the Government is claiming they may have for the NDIS,” Mr Hockey said.

 

"I cannot make commitments to promises and I will not make commitments to promises that we cannot fund.”

 

The announcement by Mr Hockey comes after the Federal Government outlined $1 billion in the Budget for a preliminary rollout of the insurance scheme, which will cover 10,000 people by next year before increasing to 30,000 the year after.

 

Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator Penny Wong, hit out at Mr Hockey’s comments. Saying it showed inconsistencies in the Opposition’s approach to the scheme.

 

“Mr Hockey also showed today that the Opposition is not serious about introducing a National Disability Insurance Scheme,” Senator Wong said.