The NSW Labor Opposition is encouraging people with disability, families, carers, advocates and service providers to make submissions to the NSW Inquiry into the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the provision of disability services in NSW.

The inquiry’s Terms of Reference are far-reaching, and include NDIS planning issues, the adequacy of supports including accommodation, the ability for children to access early intervention services, and the provision of disability services to those who are unable to access the NDIS.

Acting Shadow Minister for Disability Services, Kate Washington MP, has welcomed the inquiry and labelled it ‘sorely needed’ after speaking with countless people with disability, carers and families who are struggling to access the services they need.

The privatisation of all NSW disability services alongside the implementation of the NDIS has left thousands of people with disability in NSW without critical supports and a much-needed safety net.

Getting involved

• Submissions are now open until mid-August.
• Hearings will be in September and October 2018.
• For further information about the inquiry’s Terms of Reference and how to make a submission visit: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=2496

Quotes attributable to Kate Washington MP, Acting Shadow Minister for Disability Services

“The NDIS is too important not to get right. We want to see people with a disability have the ‘choice and control’ that the scheme was meant to deliver. 

“We’d like to hear from the people who have been struggling under the new system, so we can work together to get it right.

“It’s so important that we hear first-hand from people with disability, their family and carers.  Their experiences are critical to finding the right solutions.

“The NSW Labor Opposition pressed hard for this inquiry to highlight the gaps and importantly identify what needs to be done to address them.”

Quotes attributable to Andrew Zbik, Labor Candidate for Lane Cove

“I encourage local people with disability, their families and carers to make a submission to this important inquiry.

“Across the Lane Cove electorate, I’ve met too many people who are close to breaking point and need more support.

“We must get the NDIS right – people with disability deserve better.”