2015 BUDGET TO SUPPORT NDIS ROLL-OUT, DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AND CARERS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed measures in the 2015-16 Budget that will deliver support for the full roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), improve employment services for people with disability and increase assistance for Australia’s 2.7 million carers.

The 2015 Budget initiatives are part of the Government’s commitment to full delivery of the NDIS and acknowledgement of the important work carers perform in communities across Australia.

Supporting the full rollout of the NDIS

Mr Vasta said, “The 2015 Budget commits $695 million for the NDIS for the next financial year, in line with the Government’s commitment to continue the trial sites and to prepare for the full rollout of the Scheme from July 2016.”

“The NDIS is already supporting more than 10,000 Australians. At full roll-out more than 460,000 people with disability will benefit from the NDIS.”

Importantly, the 2015 Budget will provide $143 million for a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system to support full delivery of the NDIS. The current ICT system does not provide the full range of capabilities required for full roll-out nor was it intended to service the Scheme long term.

The new system will support over 460,000 participants and service providers, deliver enhanced data to federal, state and territory governments and streamline the process for people with disability.

More support for Australians with disability

The 2015 Budget continues the Government’s strong record of supporting employment opportunities for people with disability,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Budget delivers $25 million over four years to start to shape Disability Employment toward a new model in 2018.”

“This includes $9 million over three years to create the JobAccess Gateway for people with disability and employers.”

JobAccess Gateway will be a new online service centre for people with disability and employers, complemented by a range of in-work supports to help people with disability to develop appropriate skills and lead them to finding and keeping a job.

The Gateway will streamline services and programmes and create a virtual disability employment marketplace through a new digital and client relationship service centre.

Supporting Australia’s carers

Mr Vasta has welcomed important measures to support Australia’s carers.

“Carers will benefit from easier access to critical information and services—$33.7 million will be invested in the Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (IPCSS), which will streamline and coordinate services for carers and deliver a national carer gateway,” Mr Vasta said.

Carers are currently searching for support and services through a number of often confusing pathways across the disability, community mental health and aged care sectors.

This carer-specific entry point will comprise a national telephone contact centre and a website to help carers find support and services, regardless of the need or the age of the person they care for.

“We know that not all carers access formal support, so this carer gateway will give them information to all forms of support,” Mr Vasta said.