Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges disability advocates say there’s a feeling of immense relief following confirmation of a full roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The federal and state governments last week reached a deal to ensure the NDIS will be gradually introduced across Victoria, starting in Whittlesea next July and coming to the Macedon Ranges in May, 2017.
The scheme will provide personalised care and support for people with disabilities by July, 2019.
Sunbury disability advocate Phil Hatton said the NDIS would fix a broken and messy system.
‘‘At the moment, getting assistance for parents is an absolute minefield,’’ he said.
‘‘Under the NDIS, people shouldn’t have to go through so much bureaucracy. They won’t have to go to Centrelink for this and the Education Department for that.
‘‘A lot of people are very relieved that this is finally happening.’’
Federal Bendigo Labor MP Lisa Chesters said close to 3400 people in her electorate would get extra support and choices in how they received it.
“I’ve learnt first-hand of the challenges disability service workers now face,” she said. “The sector needs to support people with a disability better.
“I also know how important an early rollout of the NDIS is for Bendigo and our people with a disability and their families, many of whom are in desperate need of respite, support and choice.
“Once fully rolled out, the NDIS will see the end of rationed services and waiting lists.’’
McEwen Labor MP Rob Mitchell welcomed the scheme.
He said the state government would add $2.5 billion a year to the federal government’s $2.6 billion, more than doubling the current funding for disability support.
‘‘The NDIS is a key achievement in delivering for the most vulnerable members of our community,” he said.
‘‘This is an historic day for Victoria and a victory for people with a disability, their families and loved ones who fought so hard for this reform.”
