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Queensland has now entered a new age for disability services with the full scheme implementation of the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) on 1 July.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke said this marked a significant milestone for the rollout of the NDIS, with the scheme now available in all areas of Queensland.

“This is an exciting time for the future of disability services in our state, but it doesn’t mean that the Queensland Government’s efforts to support Queenslanders with disability stops,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“While our role in directly funding disability services through NGO contracts has largely ceased now, we’ll continue to play an important role in encouraging and enabling people with disability exercise choice and control and be active participants.

“We will also work hard to ensure the NDIS clients are treated with respect and dignity.

“This includes supporting people with disability to have control of the services they receive and continuing efforts to increase the social and economic participation of Queenslanders with disability.

“We want to increase the well-being of people with disability and their families so they can be full and equal members in all aspects of society.”

There are approximately 60,000 Queenslanders in, or seeking access to, the NDIS.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government would closely monitor the scheme’s performance.

“As a “shareholder” in the $20 billion NDIS, we will also hold the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Commonwealth Government and ourselves accountable for the delivery of quality disability services in the state,” she said.

“One of our priorities going forward will be managing the Government’s ongoing investment in the NDIS to ensure it delivers on projected employment and economic benefits for Queenslanders.

“Additionally, vital services and supports for Queenslanders with disability will continue alongside the NDIS, with our government investing more than $200 million in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget.”

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