The Andrews Labor Government has signed an historic bilateral agreement with the Commonwealth outlining the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing said the NDIS roll out was a big victory for people with disability and their families who fought so hard for this reform.

The scheme will provide personalised care and support for people with a disability across the whole of Victoria by 1 July, 2019.

For Gippsland, the Bass Coast, Baw Baw and Latrobe and South Gippsland LGA roll outs will start in October 2017. The East Gippsland and Wellington LGA roll outs will start in January 2019.

Around 105,000 Victorians will benefit – more than the number expected to fill the MCG at next month’s AFL Grand Final, and the agreement will benefit an estimated 6,650 NDIS participants in Gippsland.

The Labor Government will contribute funding of $2.5 billion per year, with the Commonwealth contributing $2.6 billion, once the scheme is fully implemented – more than doubling the current funding for disability support.

Victorian children under the age of six will receive priority help, in recognition of the developmental needs of young children.

The NDIS will be the end of rationed services and waitlists for people with disability and their families, and will also create more jobs in the disabilities sector.

Following this first step, the Government will continue to work closely with people with disabilities, their families, the disability sector and other stakeholders involved in the roll out of this significant reform.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing:

“This agreement represents an enormous victory for every Victorian with a disability, and for the families, loved ones and organisations who have fought so hard for these reforms.”

“The agreement provides certainty about how the NDIS will roll out across Gippsland, and means a fairer system with no more waiting lists – it is about putting people with disability and their families first.”

“This agreement is life-changing for the many local residents and families in the region who will benefit from the scheme.”

“People with a disability and their families deserve the opportunity to live the lives they choose, and to have access to the support they need, when they need it – the NDIS will deliver that.”