NDIS Launches in Light Electorate

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has begun rolling out for adults across South Australia from the start of this month.

Member for Light Tony Piccolo said between July 2017 and April 2018, adults living with a disability around the State will start joining the scheme, based on their geographic area.

The Barossa, Light, Northern Adelaide, and Lower North are the first regions to enter the full scheme.

Described by Mr Piccolo as the "biggest social reform since Medicare", the NDIS introduces a new way of providing disability services that allows people living with a disability more choice about the support they receive.

Children up to age 14 started entering the NDIS under a trial in South Australia in 2013, followed by young people aged 15 to 17 in January this year.

“South Australia was one of the first states to sign up to the NDIS and, at full rollout, the State Government will be investing $723 million annually into the scheme,” Mr Piccolo said.

“More than 32,000 South Australians will receive services under the full scheme – increased from around 17,000 pre-NDIS,” he said.

Jobs in the South Australian disability sector are also expected to double from about 6,000 to 12,000.

Mr Piccolo said while the Commonwealth is responsible for the rollout of the NDIS through the National Disability Insurance Agency, the South Australian Government is deeply invested in the scheme.

“We’ll be working to ensure that South Australians living with a disability have the smoothest possible transition to the scheme.

“The South Australian Government is supporting a range of skills and training programs to prepare people for a broad variety of roles," he said.

Image Source - Local MP Tony Piccolo discussing the Roll Out of the NDIS with Local Feros Care Manager, Ms Lea Spavens.