From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Tuesday, 22 January 2013 7:19:02 PM
Please consider this email a formal submission by me to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012.
The current disability system has many problems that need to be addressed.
I looked after my aunt and father till their death and now still look after my mother and sister with mental illness and although there was some help for my aunt and dad the same is not there at all for mental illness. During a recent crisis where my sister decided for paranoid reasons that she could not stay at home I was shocked to learn there is only 6 spots for short term mental health specific accommodation this side of the city. The real cure for mental health seems to be money as even when I can get them to a physcoligist they are only entitled to 6 visits per year under Medicare. The case workers involved ate over worked and lack resources to be of any help really.
A society is judged on how it treats its unfortunate and ours fails.
The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:
- Ensure support and equipment is available when needed,
- The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person,
- Access to reliable information about support options
The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:
- Therapy and allied health services,
- Life-skills,
- Accommodation options,
- In-home care and domestic assistance
I support the introduction of the NDIS.
I have struggled and scraficed my life and health for the unwell in my family and I am 32. If the support was there my life and the life of those I care for would be much better. I can only imagine how bad others would also have it.
I agree for my submission to be made public
Regards,
Mr Richard Blackall