THE HON. JOHN AJAKA MLC
NSW MINISTER FOR DISABILITY SERVICES
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) achieved a significant milestone today, as the early rollout of the Scheme in NSW commences.
From today, children and young people with disability in the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury area, and their families, will take the first steps to accessing the Scheme.
Young people and their families will be able to work with Local Area Coordinators to get ready for the NDIS when it begins in September and can then start working with planners to create individualised funding packages.
Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, said NSW and the Nepean, Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury area is well prepared for the NDIS.
“Our agreement with the Baird Government for the early roll out of the NDIS in western Sydney was great news for around 2,000 children and young people with disability and their families,” Minister Fifield said.
“This is the first step for the NDIS beyond the trial sites, and preparations are well and truly underway.
“The Australian Government is investing $20 million into the rollout of the NDIS to western Sydney this financial year to make this possible.”
Mr Ajaka said the NDIS was full steam ahead in NSW.
“We are incredibly proud to be delivering the NDIS ahead of schedule and particularly pleased to be doing so in greater Western Sydney,” Mr Ajaka said.
“It has meant there are 2,000 children and young people who will get the support they need to help achieve their goals and aspirations, one year earlier than originally planned.
“We have kicked off today, and there are many players getting behind the NDIS here.
“It is estimated 140,000 people with disability in NSW will directly benefit from the NDIS at full scheme.”
For more information on the NDIS, go to www.ndis.gov.au
Media contact for Minister Fifield: Vincent Tulley | 0409 244 865
Media contact for Minister Ajaka: Alasdair Cameron| 0400 729 164