Ted Baillieu and Liberal candidate for Gembrook, Brad Battin, at Outlook’s nursery last Wednesday.By Jade Lawton
STATE Opposition leader Ted Baillieu announced funding for a ‘revolutionary’ disability insurance scheme in Pakenham last week.
If elected in November, Mr Baillieu said Victoria would champion the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), overhauling the current system which rations disability services to create a no-fault insurance safety net for people with permanent or severe disabilities.
Mr Baillieu made the announcement at local disability service provider Outlook, and spent time touring the facility.
“Victoria’s most vulnerable people need help and a Baillieu Government will lead the way on an overhaul of disability funding to support them and their families and carers,” he said.
Outlook CEO Tony Fitzgerald said the pledge was a major policy reform that would offer disabled people an insurance safety net, similar to Medicare.
“Outlook really welcomes this announcement and it’s good that a political party has taken a lead in supporting it,” he said. “It would be great to get bi-partisan support.
“But it doesn’t go far enough. We have 45 carers just in Pakenham, families in there 70s and 80s, whose sons and daughters attend Outlook.
“You’ve got this National Disability Insurance Scheme, but that won’t go ahead for four or five years, and what’s needed now is more money in accommodation support. There is still a long, long waiting list.”
Liberal candidate for Gembrook, Brad Battin, said he was pleased the Liberal National Coalition had led the way in disability reform.
“There are many people in our community who require support now and in the future and we need to ensure the services are available for all to use,” he said.
“I am pleased we are pushing this program. I hope more states and the Federal Government follow this lead.”
The State Government did not respond to Gazette inquiries before deadline.
