People with disability, carers, service providers and peak bodies are being encouraged to help shape NSW disability legislation, to ensure it is relevant and fit-for-purpose under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
NSW Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward has released a discussion paper to kick-start consultation on the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 review, highlighting the changing landscape of disability services in Australia.
“Under the NDIS, more than 40,000 people in NSW are receiving disability supports for the first time, but the reality is that the state’s roles and responsibilities when it comes to service delivery have changed significantly,” the minister said.
The discussion paper will consider the changing landscape of disability services and how NSW can do more to not only support people with disabilities, but break down barriers and help transform their lives for the better. “I want to see a greater focus on employment for people with disabilities and wider promotion of Disability Inclusion Action Plans in both the government and non-government sectors.”
People can have their say on the discussion paper online or during face-to-face workshops, which will be held in February and March. There will be two workshops in Sydney, two in regional NSW and a consultation session with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Dubbo.
The Disability Inclusion Act 2014 established Disability Inclusion Action Plans (DIAP), which has been adopted by all government agencies and the state’s 128 councils. The review will explore how DIAPs are working and ways to improve them.
All survey responses, written submissions and feedback from the workshops must be submitted by 5pm March 30, 2020.
To read the discussion paper or provide feedback visit: www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/dia-review
Renewed commitment to disability advocacy. The NSW Government is committed to funding for disability advocacy until the end of 2020. This follows the recent release of a review into the sector by NSW Aging and Disability Commissioner, Robert Fitzgerald.
The report outlined the need for NSW to have an ongoing funding role for state-provided services following the introduction of the NDIS. The government will work with agencies through the NSW Disability Advisory Council to consider and respond to the proposed reforms.
To read the report visit: https://bit.ly/35BXQNI
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch with Freedom2live’s managing online editor Kymberly Martin at kymberly@intermedia.com.au
Sign up to Freedom2Live’s newsletter.