Future Funds needed now for a better present
03/12/2014
On International Day of People with Disability, Dignity for Disability MLC Kelly Vincent is calling on the Australian Government to immediately release additional funds from the National Disability Insurance Levy, collected via the Medicare levy.
“The NDIS commenced in July 2013 here in South Australia but we are already behind schedule with many children and their families waiting to access National Disability Insurance Schem planning and services,” says Kelly Vincent.
“Today, 2,430 South Australians in genuine need remain on the unmet needs waiting list, and most will remain there until 2019 when they may finally be able to access the NDIS.
“Yet, as of July 1 2014, South Australian taxpayers are contributing $288 million per year to the NDIS levy.
“The broader community have embraced the Medicare levy increase, knowing the NDIS is essential for all Australians with disabilities. It is not fair to be withholding the funds people urgently need now. It’s not fair, and any reasonable person can see it is just plain illogical.
“From the $1.152 billion the Federal Government will collect from South Australians by 2018, a mere $32 million will be returned to us for the provision of support services.
“We want the Federal Government to provide a cash injection from the NDIS Fund to reduce the critical waiting lists in SA.
“It is scandalous that in the first year of the national $3.3 billion levy, less than 25 percent is actually going to provide for these urgently needed supports.
“South Australia is entitled to at least $72 million of the NDIS levy per annum. We are asking for fairness, and demand action to reduce the crisis waiting lists now,” said Ms Vincent.
