A great outcome for disability advocacy services

This morning’s announcement by the State Government is a great victory for disability services in our area and a great victory for common sense.

I’m really pleased that the Government has listened to the community and agreed to put in place much of the plan I’ve been pushing for.

Under today’s announcement, $26m will be made available for disability advocacy services statewide between now and 2020 during the transition to the NDIS.

As I’ve said from the start, this plan will give surety to those groups who work hard for people with disabilities. It takes away the significant concerns they had and is a fair and reasonable outcome for a sector that is highly valued.

I have to thank and congratulate Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Disability Services Minister Ray Williams MP for listening and acting and giving peace of mind to the many people who rely so heavily on these advocacy services.

I also have to acknowledge and thank everyone who campaigned for this outcome, especially those in the disability sector who do such a wonderful job, and in particular Serena Ovens from the NSW Disability Advocacy Alliance and Sophie Cotsis MP.

Here's a copy of the statement issued by the Premier this morning: 

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams today announced up to $26 million will be available for advocacy services until 2020.

The funding will support people with disability to access these services during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and in the early stages of full Scheme.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is committed to successfully transitioning supports and services to the NDIS for people with disability.

“During a time of major change for people with disability, the NSW Government is committed to making the transition to the NDIS as smooth as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We understand the transition has created concerns for people with disability and I want to assure the community we have been listening to those concerns.

“That is why we have set aside this funding. It will make sure people with disability can continue to access services and information, particularly in regional and rural communities.”

A key focus of the NSW funding will be on activities that support inclusion of people with disability in their communities.

Mr Williams said NSW is leading the way in transitioning to the NDIS.

“This is the largest social reform since Medicare and it’s important we get it right for people with disability,” Mr Williams said.

“We will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the NDIS is successful and sustainable in NSW.”

More than 84,000 people with disability in NSW are currently accessing the NDIS in NSW.