SENATOR THE HON. MARISE PAYNE
MINISTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES
LOUISE MARKUS MP
MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) staff have today started work on the ground in Katoomba and Windsor, following the early commencement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Nepean region.
The NDIA will temporarily co-locate with the Department of Human Services (DHS), with six staff in the DHS Service Centre in Katoomba and three staff in Windsor.
“The NDIS is great news for children and young people with disability and their families in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury,” Mrs Markus said.
“For these children and young people, the NDIS will have a focus on early intervention to ensure they are able to access supports early on in life, with a view to helping them attend mainstream schools, engage in community activities and participate fully in life.”
“It is important to now have NDIA staff available at local Centrelink offices, to meet with participants, their families and carers to receive information about the NDIS and develop individualised plans.”
Minister Fifield said the Australian Government is investing $20 million into the rollout of the NDIS across the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Nepean region.
“Our agreement with the Baird Government was great news for around 2,000 children and young people with disability, who will receive services one year earlier than originally planned,” Minister Fifield said.
Minister Payne said a growing number of communities are benefiting from co-located NDIS and DHS services.
“The partnership means NDIS participants in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Nepean will also be able to take care of their Centrelink and Medicare business in one stop,” Minister Payne said.
“DHS is very well placed to work cooperatively with the NDIA, with its network of offices and shopfronts for Centrelink and Medicare right across Australia.”
Minister Fifield and Minister Payne said they were delighted to be able to work together to meet the needs of the growing NDIA.
Information on the NDIS is available at www.ndis.gov.au or by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
Media contact for Minister Fifield: Vincent Tulley | 0409 244 865
Media contact for Minister Payne: Henry Budd | 0429 531 143
Media contact for Louise Markus| Stephanie Bates | 02 6277 2371