Page 3827 - Week 12 - Thursday, 24 October 2013
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MS BURCH: I thank Mr Wall for his question. It is right that we ask the question of transition. As I indicated yesterday, there is serious, complex work going on across a number of the agencies about the fundings that are captured within the NDIS—and that is no mean and simple feat, Mr Wall—and also what the transitional or phase-in process will be. That work is occurring across government agencies. As it is being developed it will come through cabinet, and it will be a cabinet decision.
I know that in my conversations with many providers and many families I have earmarked—and I think I said it yesterday—about February to have that out. It is almost like an enormous wedge of work that is narrowing down to final decisions. That will occur by the end of this year or early in the new year. That will go out as soon as possible to the community.
As far as what confidence can the community have, the community has seen, by demonstration, our absolute commitment to work with them line by line, decision by decision, as the information is available and provided to them. There have been a number of public information sessions. We have done, I think, all we can to ensure that people are aware of what we are doing.
I will also note that the National Disability Insurance Agency is earmarked to establish its offices here either towards the end of this year or early in the new year. That will also be another key indicator, an opportunity for community members to start that conversation with the agency. At the end of the day, the agency will be responsible for those clients that are moving through the NDIS and around all those care and transition and support structures.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, will there be more consultation with stakeholders and the wider community than there was with regard to the closure of respite services at Elouera?
MS BURCH: It seems to be that you have been hiding under a block somewhere to not understand the amount of community consultation that has already happened around NDIS. I know you have been in the room at a number of those yourself, Mr Wall. So do not disrespect the effort and the time that Disability ACT and the community partners, through NDS ACT, have put in to working in partnership across providers, across government, across the community to give them all the information that we have available.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Ms Lawder.
MS LAWDER: Minister, what assurances can workers, clients, disability services and peak bodies have that the decisions will be made in time to ensure that they can make considered decisions about their future?
MS BURCH: Again, I think the people in the community should be aware that as information becomes available and opportunity becomes available we provide it. We
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