AMA welcomes further steps towards a National Disability Insurance Scheme
The AMA welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement that the first stage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will commence from July next year.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the AMA has been pushing for a national long-term care scheme for the severely disabled since 2003.
“When fully implemented, the NDIS will provide fairness, equity, and a better quality of life for people with a disability, their families, and their carers,” Dr Hambleton said.
“The benefits for these members of our community, who are often overlooked, will be tremendous.
“For the first time, they will have certainty that their care needs will be met.
“The NDIS is an investment in the future and in the quality of the lives of people with disabilities. It will allow people to participate in daily life and in the community in a more productive and positive way.
“The NDIS is transformational reform for the benefit of the most vulnerable people in our community,” Dr Hambleton said.
Dr Hambleton said the AMA is preparing to work closely with the Government in developing and implementing the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) for people who are severely injured and require the same levels of support.
“Over time, there is scope for both schemes to be integrated so that all Australians have access to early intervention and support, based on need, regardless of the cause or type of disability,” Dr Hambleton said.
1 May 2012
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