The Hon John Ajaka MLC
Minister for Ageing
Minister for Disability Services
Minister for the Illawarra
NDIS signs up 2,000 people in NSW
Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield and NSW Minister for Disability Services, the Hon John Ajaka today visited Newcastle to mark the 2,000th participant signing up to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial site in the Hunter.
“This is an important milestone in the continued roll-out of the Scheme as we approach the 12-month anniversary of the start of the NDIS,” Senator Fifield said.
“The 2,000th participant, a young man named Jason, is now just one of many people in New South Wales who are receiving supports that better meet their needs, goals and aspirations through the NDIS.”
“It is a testament to the hard work of National Disability Insurance Agency staff and the many local organisations that are providing supports to people with disability under the NDIS.”
“Providing reasonable and necessary support to 2,000 people in the Hunter region is a wonderful achievement and I’m delighted to be here to celebrate this milestone,” Senator Fifield said.
“The important work being done in the New South Wales trial site will help to ensure we can learn the important lessons to inform a successful full rollout across the country.”
Mr Ajaka said the NSW Government was working hard to transition people with disability to the NDIS so they receive the support they need to live the life they want.
“Member for Newcastle Tim Owen is with me here today to support the Scheme which will greatly benefit people with disability in Newcastle as well as other local areas,” Mr Ajaka said.
“Over the next three years, 10,000 people with disability will be moved across to the NDIS in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Maitland Local Government Areas.”
“The NSW Government will continue to work closely with people with disability in the Hunter and across the state to help them transition to the NDIS as it is progressively rolled out.”
“The NSW government is committed to a scheme that is sustainable for the benefit of people with disabilities.”
Senator Fifield said the Commonwealth and NSW governments are investing in a new era of disability support so people with disability can live their lives, their way.
“The NDIS is all about empowering people with disability by giving them the choice and control over supports they receive in order to help them achieve their goals and aspirations.”
The NDIS was launched in the Hunter area on 1 July last year and will be rolled out across the state between 2016 and 2018.
Once the NDIS is fully rolled out, the number of people receiving disability support in NSW is expected to grow from 90,000 to 140,000.
The NDIS will also significantly increase funding for disability services in NSW from $2.5 billion to $6.4 billion. This will provide additional funding both for the expected new 50,000 participants and for increased supports for some of the existing 90,000 participants.
ENDS
Friday, 6 June 2014
Media contacts:
Minister Fifield: Lydia Bevege | 0409 792 081 | Lydia.bevege@dss.gov.au
Minister Ajaka: Rowena Lapitan | 0419 618 081 | Rowena.lapitan@minister.nsw.gov.au
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About Jason Fullford, the 2,000th NDIS participant in New South Wales.
The 2000th participant has been identified as Jason Fullford. Jason is 26 and has Down Syndrome.
Jason works two days a week and would like to extend his working hours while his family would also like to see him continue learning and developing his skills.
He also volunteers at a local sports centre and aims to extend this into paid employment.
Jason plays basketball in the Special Olympics and has been selected to represent NSW. He also dances with the local dance group the Waltz-sing Matildas.