Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Human Services spokesperson
Thousands of Tasmanians living with a disability will be able to access the supports they need to live more independently, access training and employment and achieve their goals with the NDIS full scheme rolling out today across the State.
Once it is fully rolled out to all age groups in Tasmania over the next three years, around 10 600 Tasmanians living with disability will be accessing supports and affordable housing through the NDIS.
The NDIS began in Tasmania on 1 July 2013 under the Labor Green Government, with the first stage providing supports to around 1000 young Tasmanians aged between 15-24.
It has made the most extraordinary difference to the lives of young Tasmanians living with disability, giving them choice and control over the supports they receive and providing relief to families.
Ultimately, after decades of funding neglect and unfairness, the NDIS is empowering people to make their own choices and live their lives to their full capacity.
While the NDIS has presented challenges to service providers, in Tasmania they have more than risen to the challenge.
It has also provided significant employment opportunities for Tasmanians who want to work in the caring industries, with more jobs in the future as more people access the Scheme.
It is important to remember that the NDIS was delivered by minority Labor Green governments at the State and Federal level who responded to a crisis of unmet need and unfairness for people living with a disability.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is the most important, life changing and productivity boosting reform since the introduction of Medicare.