Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012

From: To: Community Affairs, Committee (SEN); Subject: Submission to the Inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill 2012 Date: Friday, 25 January 2013 10:18:57 AM

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.

The system has been fragmented, inconsistent and varies between states as to what is available. Longer term pathways to integrate with employment options are similarly focussed on the needs of the provider and the system rather than the person. Accommodation options for older people with a mild disability are so rationed as to be unavailable until their parents reach their 80s! The high point of the system is the education system in Victoria, which does deliver limited special school services in an outstanding and cost effective fashion.

The main features of the NDIS that will make a difference to the community are:

• Better access to education and work opportunities,
• More employment of people with disability and less reliance on social welfare,
• The ability to receive services when needed and in the way that suits the person

The most important services for the NDIS to provide are:

• Support for families and carers,
• Accommodation options,
• Crisis and emergency support

I support the introduction of the NDIS.

I support the scheme because of its objectives of consistency, transparency and availability, irrespective of how the person’s disability was acquired. We know that this is a cheaper and more effective model from the 30 years of experience of the NZ ACC and the Victorian TAC systems

I agree for my submission to be made public

Regards,

Ms Elizabeth Coe