In his first major act as Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull has signed the first two agreements for the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in New South Wales and Victoria.
Turnbull was joined by New South Wales and Victorian Premier’s, Mike Baird and Daniel Andrews, and assistant social services minister, Mitch Fifield, to sign the agreements which will affect 140,000 people in NSW and 105,000 in Victoria.
“This marks a huge milestone towards the delivery of the largest social policy reforms in our nation’s history,” Turnbull said, according to The Australian.
In a statement, Baird stressed that the rollout will move through 2016 to give service providers as much time as possible to grow with the scheme and
“Today’s historic signings confirm the joint commitment of the Commonwealth, New South Wales and Victorian Governments to people with disability, their families and carers,” Baird said.
“The NDIS is one of the largest social policy reforms in Australia’s history. Working together, our governments are building a sustainable scheme that will stand the test of time.
“Transition will begin in July 2016, with a geographical roll out moving from region to region, covering all eligible people under 65.
“The region-by-region roll outs will ensure service providers have time to grow, to meet the needs of their clients and to meet demand.”
Andrews noted that the historic signing puts those with disability and their families in both states.
“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.”
“This provides certainty about how the NDIS will roll out across Victoria, and once fully rolled out it will mean a fairer system with no more waiting lists – it is about putting people with disability and their families first.”
