Vital services and supports for Queenslanders with disability will continue post-NDIS, with the Palaszczuk Government investing more than $200 million in disability services in the 2019-2020 State Budget.
Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke said while more than 45,000 Queenslanders were now receiving supports from the NDIS, it was important for some vital services and support to continue to be funded.
“The full scheme rollout of the NDIS on July 1 doesn’t negate our responsibility to ensure that Queenslanders with disability are supported to live their lives with the dignity they deserve,” Mrs O’Rourke said.
“Funding in the State Budget will ensure we can continue to deliver quality accommodation support and respite services and high quality care and support for individuals with an intellectual and/or cognitive disability subject to involuntary detention, care, support and protection under a forensic order (disability).
“We’ve also committed $7 million in the State Budget to continue supporting community transport services for people with disability.
“We know these services are vital to ensuring Queenslanders with disability are able to participate, and be included, in their thriving communities.”
Disability advocacy services will also receive support in the State Budget, with funding of $8.7 million over two years to 2020-21.
There is also $10.9 million in additional funding included in the State Budget for complaints and investigations, coordination of state disability planning, and continued support for peak bodies and Guide Dogs.
Mrs O’Rourke also highlighted how the State Budget would continue to fund ongoing disability functions post-NDIS.
“The State Budget provides $19.5 million over four years for ongoing functions including restrictive practices, worker screening and NDIS performance monitoring,” she said.
“We also committed $1.2 million over three years from 2018-19 to implement the NDIS ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Clearance Database.
“The Palaszczuk Government recognises the importance of the NDIS in providing greater choice and control over services and supports and enhanced social and economic participation for people with disability.
“We have a responsibility to make sure that nationally consistent safeguards are in place to ensure that Queenslanders with disability, who have an NDIS package, are fully protected.”
The Palaszczuk Government will contribute funding of up to $1.48 billion to the NDIS in 2019-20.
Mrs O’Rourke said supporting the NDIS was an example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to investing in jobs today and for the future.
“We know that the NDIS is delivering jobs today and into the future in the growing disability services sector, along with a range of other industries and sectors across the state,” she said.
“Funding for the NDIS is directly supporting Queensland businesses today and growing our economy for the future and delivering services for our growing state.”
