Shayne Neumann has been campaigning for the National Disability Insurance Scheme on behalf of local people for nearly 10 years.

While he is eager to see it finally rolled out across the greater Ipswich region, he knows this is no time to become complacent.

“One of the key issues I remember from my first few years as the Member for Blair, was the lack of certainty and support for local people living with disability and their carers and families,” Mr Neumann said.

“We were fortunate to have a strong Labor Government to create the NDIS in 2013.

“The NDIS is the biggest social reform since Labor introduced Medicare.

“Local parents have told me they are desperate for the NDIS – they want an assurance their adult child living with disability will be cared for and supported when they are too old to provide care or pass away.

“The roll out of the NDIS locally has been a long time coming and it will provide more support, along with greater choice and control over the support that people living with disability receive.”

In 2010 Mr Neumann launched the inaugural Blair Disability Links directory, featuring local disability support, care and service providers.

“It came about because so many people had no idea where to go to access support.

“It’s now in its sixth year and is bigger and better than ever.

“The Blair Disability Links directory is the most sought after resource in my office.

“I have since launched the Blair Seniors Link Directory and am working on a Sports Link Directory.”

The benefits of the NDIS go beyond the provision of care, support and services. It is an economic reform that is creating jobs and unlocking the productivity of people with disability and their carers.

Mr Neumann warned that there  have been some challenges with the roll out nationally – IT problems, providers not getting paid, complaints about the way individual plans were being established, and major understaffing.

“I know that everyone will have a different NDIS journey and face different challenges.

“But I pledge to make sure the Government is held to account. Labor always promised to deliver the NDIS on time and on budget across Australia. This Government must make the roll out of the NDIS a greater priority to ensure it delivers what it originally promised.”

Grab a copy of the Blair Disability Links from Mr Neumann’s office at Brassall Shopping Centre or call the office on 3201 5300.