The Palaszczuk Government needs to step up and clarify how it will provide continuity of service, to ensure Queenslanders don’t fall through the cracks as the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues.
LNP Shadow Minister for Disability Services Dr Christian Rowan said many disability service providers were concerned about the future of state funding programs and how services to Queenslanders who need assistance, but aren’t eligible for the NDIS, will be delivered.
“At a state level, the NDIS is funded, in large part, by redirected disability spending,” Dr Rowan said.
“As the NDIS continues to rollout in Queensland funding to various disability support providers is progressively being reduced as more people receive approved plans.
“But not every individual that utilises these services will be eligible for the NDIS, and the removal of funding is having a real impact on these providers’ ability to continue to deliver these services to the community.”
Dr Rowan said continuity of service for people who aren’t eligible for the NDIS was enshrined in the bilateral agreement signed between the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments.
“This is a very real issue in our community and it deserves the attention of Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Minister Coralee O’Rourke,” he said.
“The NDIS is one of the largest social reforms in our nation’s history. If properly implemented if will substantially improve the lives of people living with a disability.
“But we can’t afford to leave anyone behind or worse off as a result of the way the NDIS is being implemented.
“Minister Coralee O’Rourke needs to take the lead and outline what she intends to do to help the groups and individuals worried about the future of their support programs.”
