Page 959 - Week 03 - Thursday, 23 March 2017
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MS LEE (Kurrajong) (10.32): The minister has outlined very clearly the achievements and the praise that the ACT government has received on the implementation of the NDIS in the territory. I also take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the public servants within the directorate and the NDIA who have worked extremely hard in managing such an important and challenging rollout, working to ensure that some of Canberra’s most vulnerable are not left behind.
The minister herself acknowledges that the “progress to date has not been without hurdles” and that “in this new world of the NDIS, service provision is not the role of government but ensuring quality and safeguards absolutely is”. I also note she stated that “for some services and people with disability these are continuing and proving difficult to overcome”.
These words of acknowledgement are one thing, but there seems to be a lack of an embrace of full responsibility on the part of the ACT government to overcome some of these hurdles. These words of acknowledgement are one thing, but there seems to be a lack of action when it is needed most, as we saw in the Assembly only yesterday, despite the government’s “commitment to good outcomes for people with disability, to ensure that all people with disability in the ACT and the people that care for them have opportunities to contribute and belong”.
I also acknowledge the federal government’s announcement this morning of funding for two service providers to deliver local area coordination and early childhood early intervention services in the ACT. The $17.6 million announcement today is a significant investment in the sector here in the ACT, and I thank the federal government for delivering these funds to the over 5,000 ACT NDIS participants. I think it is important that we acknowledge this, especially when those on the other side of this chamber have been too quick to shift blame or criticise the federal government, particularly in relation to issues that are outside our subject jurisdiction.
We can all agree in this chamber that early childhood intervention is an important aspect, especially within the NDIS, because it ensures that the next generation has the best chance at a fulfilling and thriving life. Again, I wish to thank all the public servants in the directorate who have worked, are working and no doubt will continue to work with the sector for our community.
The ACT government has another two years before the full transition to the NDIS is complete. I personally look forward to working with the minister and with the disability sector to ensure a better outcome for all who require support and for our community in general. I would like to conclude by joining the minister in congratulating the people who have been working on the Connect and Participate Expo and also in encouraging all members to attend. I know that I will be. I am looking forward to it being a great day.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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