Local disability service providers are calling on the Federal Government to bring forward the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Earlier this month the Commonwealth supported the establishment of the NDIS following recommendations by the Productivity Commission.
The scheme will be progressively rolled out, but won’t be fully operational until 2019.
Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams, is supporting the calls to fast-track the delivery of the scheme where possible, saying seven to eight years is too long to wait.
“I am very pleased that the reforms have received bi-partisan support from all levels of Government, but we need to ensure it is delivered in a more acceptance timeframe.
“One of the main issues that carers have locally is their age. We have people in their 70s caring for their children with disabilities at a time when they need help themselves. Dragging the implementation out for so long is only exacerbating the problem for them.
“The NSW Government is moving ahead on individualised support, which will see NSW well placed for the implementation of the scheme by 2014.
General Manager of local disability service provider New- IDAFE, Debbie Dyke, said, while she very much welcomed the scheme, the drawn out implementation will prove difficult for carers.
“Families through sheer emotional exhaustion cannot get additional support or help and this new system would be an enormous help to them, particular in rural isolated areas. But for many the wait will be simply too long.
“Our area has a higher than average number of older parents caring for people with a disability. Often the only options available for ageing families and their children is placement in an aged care facility, which is not suitable for high dependency people with a disability,” Mrs Dyke said.
