Government delivers on funding for NDIS
THE 2017-18 Budget delivered on the Turnbull Government’s commitment to guarantee Medicare and ensure the health system continues to be one of the best in the world — where every Australian has access to the best doctors, nurses, hospitals and medicines.
Member for Groom John McVeigh said the Budget supports the Government’s Long-Term National Health Plan — based on the four pillars of guaranteeing Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, supporting hospitals, prioritising mental and preventive health and investment in medical research.
“It secures the essential healthcare services Australians rely on,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The 2017-18 Budget includes a $10 billion package to invest in Australia’s health system and the health of Australians.”
“Funding the NDIS is a major shift in the way support is delivered to people with disability across Australia.
“It gives all Australians peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability they will get the support they need.”
Dr McVeigh opened the NDIS Local Area Coordination Partners in the
Community Office in Toowoomba this week alongside Assistant Minister
for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice.
“Jane is a regular visitor to the Groom electorate and has a strong interest in the way the NDIS is rolling out here in our community,” he said.
“When I mentioned the fact the local office was about to open she signed straight up.”
It was the first office opening Ms Prentice had presided over as part of her portfolio.
The pair met with Vanguard Laundry, held a round-table with various NDIS providers and met parents of participants in the scheme.
This gave her as Minister some differing perspectives on how the system is affecting those at the coal face.
The day also included a meeting with baker Ben Hunter and artist Dan Wilson and heard how the NDIS funding was changing their lives by providing them with the opportunity to earn a living by utilising their talents.
“The Assistant Minister was very impressed with their stories and gave their parents some heartfelt advice on seeking out future funding opportunities to further their enterprises,” Dr McVeigh said.
“The NDIS will provide some members of our community who live with a disability real choice, perhaps for the first time in their life.”