Synapse - reconnecting lives

First full roll-out agreements signed for NDIS

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has signed agreements with New South Wales and Victoria to proceed with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

 

The states are the first to enter agreements with the Commonwealth for the full roll-out, which will start July next year.

The deals cover about 140,000 people in New South Wales and 105,000 people in Victoria - more than half of all Australians expected to be eligible for the NDIS when it is fully rolled out.

Mr Turnbull signed the deals alongside NSW Premier Mike Baird and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

The PM said the agreement provided certainty for people with disabilities.

"This marks a huge milestone towards the delivery of one of the largest social policy reforms in our nation's history," Mr Turnbull said.

"The roll-out will be carefully managed to ensure the delivery of an NDIS that stands the test of time.

"The agreements balance improving services as quickly as possible with getting it right.

"The agreements also give certainty to their families who will receive help from the NDIS."

The Victorian Government will contribute $2.5 billion per year and the Commonwealth will put forward $2.6 billion when the scheme is fully implemented.

Mr Andrews said the NDIS was "justice" for those in the community who expected the fair go and supported the NDIS offered them.

"This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together, when we spend less time bickering and more time focusing on the things that families and communities right across our nation need," he said.