The Andrews Labor Government today signed an historic bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth outlining the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria over the next three years.
Premier Daniel Andrews was in Canberra to sign the landmark agreement with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and New South Wales Premier Mike Baird.
The Labor Government will contribute funding of $2.5 billion per year, with the Commonwealth contributing $2.6 billion, once the scheme is fully implemented – more than doubling the current funding for disability support.
Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley joined disability advocates and stakeholders at the MCG to celebrate the achievement.
The bilateral agreement will benefit an estimated 105,000 Victorians - more than the number expected to fill the stadium at next month’s AFL Grand Final.
Following the successful Barwon pilot, the NDIS will be rolled out gradually across Victoria over the next three years starting July 1, 2016 in North East Melbourne, including Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra.
The Central Highlands region will be next in January 2017 and the Greater Bendigo area in May 2017, with the rest of the state to follow. Victorian children under the age of six will receive priority help, in recognition of the developmental needs of young children.
The scheme will provide personalised care and support for people with a disability across the whole of Victoria by 1 July, 2019. Once fully rolled out, the NDIS will be the end of rationed services and waitlists for people with disability and their families.
Following today’s crucial first step, the Government will continue to work closely with people with disabilities, their families, the disabilities sector and other stakeholders involved in the roll out of this significant reform.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“This is an historic day for Victoria and a victory for people with a disability, their families and loved ones who fought so hard for this reform.”
“This provides certainty about how the NDIS will roll out across Victoria, and once fully rolled out it will mean a fairer system with no more waiting lists – it is about putting people with disability and their families first.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing Martin Foley
“This agreement is life changing for the 105,000 people in Victoria to benefit from the scheme, and those who love them.”
“People with a disability and their families deserve the control to live the life they choose, and get access to the support they need, when they need it - the NDIS will deliver that."
Reviewed 10 February 2021