The Marshall Liberal Government will provide additional funding to support the finalisation of service reform and disability functions as a result of the state’s full transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The 2019-20 State Budget provides $6.7 million in 2019-20, to support the finalisation of service reform and disability functions as a result of the state’s full transition to the NDIS.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the State Government was committed to ensuring all South Australians with disability have every opportunity to live fulfilling lives as equal members of our community.
“As the state concludes its role in funding disability services with the transition to full scheme NDIS, the State Government is providing $6.7 million over the next 12 months to finalise a number of activities,” said Minister Lensink.
“In addition to this $6.7 million, the State Government will contribute more than $750 million per annum as its contribution to the NDIS.
“The NDIS is a new environment for people living with disability and this $6.7 million supports a smooth transition for South Australians living with disability.
“The State Government continues to work closely with the Federal Government and the National Disability Insurance Agency to support the effective implementation of the NDIS in our state.
“As at mid-May, more than 28,000 South Australians are receiving NDIS supports and a further 2,500 have been found eligible and are awaiting a plan.
“At June 30 2019, I expect South Australia will be at full transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.”
In addition to this funding boost, the State Government is currently developing South Australia’s first State Disability Inclusion Plan. The plan, which is a direct result of the Disability Inclusion Act, will list specific outcome areas to remove barriers and make the community inclusive for all South Australians, with a draft plan to be released later this year.
Specific areas of community engagement are also being fast-tracked, including guidelines for inclusive playgrounds, the development of a toolkit to assist organisations and local government to develop accessible websites and the roll-out of accessible tram and bus stops across metropolitan Adelaide.
The State Government appointed State Disability Advocate Dr David Caudrey, who is tasked with taking a statewide view of the NDIS and associated reform, with responsibility to identify and improve any systemic issues as a result of the disability reform process.
