Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, spoke at the opening of the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) office in Ipswich to praise the efforts of the people working at the coalface to improve the lives of people living with a disability.

Speaking at the space in the ICON Tower in Ipswich’s CDB, Mr Neumann said that working with vulnerable people was much more than a 9-5 job, and required the passion and commitment evident in the workers present.

“This is an exciting milestone for the NDIA in Ipswich, as these new premises will better meet the needs of participants.

“Ipswich is an early rollout site for the NDIS in Queensland and the new office will greatly support the delivery of the scheme across the region. 

“I’m proud of the fact that the NDIS is another great Labor reform that was introduced by the former Gillard Government.

“It is a truly historic and transformational reform, and it will fundamentally change the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.

“It will provide greater choice and control over their lives for people with a disability.”

NDIA speakers at the event included Des Lee, Queensland State Manager for Service Delivery and Performance, and Karun Gupta, General Manager for Service Delivery.

The opening was attended by disability support and advocacy groups and clients and Aunty Roberta Thompson performed a Welcome to Country to begin the proceedings.

NDIS first became available in Ipswich and the Somerset Region on 1 July 2017 and has undergone tremendous growth in that time.

The required workforce is expected to grow to between 2,500 and 3,000 to meet demand for disability services and support locally.

The estimated value of NDIS support in the region is estimated to be $240 million.

By July 2020 the NDIS aims to deliver life changing support to an estimated 460,000 eligible Australians, with 60,000 – 70,000 new jobs expected to be created because of the NDIS.

A Council of Australian Governments NDIS Quarterly Report released in February showed improved outcomes for participants in Queensland:

• 85% surveyed in Queensland rated their satisfaction with the NDIA’s planning process as either good or very good.
• The percentage of participants aged 15-24 engaged in social activities locally increased from 38% when entering the Scheme to 47% after two years. For participants aged 25 and over this went from 44% to 52%. Both stats exceed the 2018-19 target of 41% participation.

Mr Neumann acknowledged a scheme of this size would inevitably have its challenges, but that it was disappointing to see the range of implementation issues under the Abbott/Turnbull/Morrison government.

“I can assure people in our community living with a disability and their family and carers that a Shorten Labor Government will fix the NDIS.

“We will make improving the lives of people with disability a top priority,” Mr Neumann said.