NDIS progress noted
A meeting of government bodies this week agreed to move ahead on a full scheme roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
At the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Disability Reform Council meeting, all governments backed the timeframes and funding arrangements set out in previous gatherings.
The Council said work undertaken by the Commonwealth and State and Territory governments, in consultation with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), to set up the transition would help them identify practical actions to support participants, providers and the market as well.
Negotiations are underway on the approach to transition in each jurisdiction and the phasing in of clients, with agreements expected to be finalised between governments soon.
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) transition is already underway with all eligible participants in the scheme in 2016.
In Western Australia, experience with the comparative trial of the NDIA and My Way models is informing work on the future roll out of the NDIS.
The Council also noted that the new Queensland Government has not yet considered matters dealt with at the meeting this week.
COAG ministers said that the first two-yearly report on progress under the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 (NDS) should be provided to the Council.
The NDS sets out a policy framework for improving the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers, and represents a commitment by all levels of government, industry and the community to a unified, national approach to disability policy and programme development.
The report to COAG is intended to highlight outcomes and achievements under the NDS for a more inclusive Australia.