No Money for Disability Scheme in Mini-Budget

29/11/11

The Government has failed to include any funding for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) mini-budget.

The Opposition had called on the Government to back its words with dollars in the mini-budget.

The only mention of an NDIS in MYEFO is the $9.7 million for technical work the Government has already stated it will re-direct from existing departmental programs and activities.[1]

Australians with disability and their families are entitled to be cynical about the Government’s commitment to an NDIS in the absence of any money in the mini-budget.

The Government has raised expectations about a better deal for people with disability. It would be cruel if these were dashed.

It would be extremely disappointing if the billions wasted on school halls, home insulation and other bungled schemes compromised the Government’s ability to deliver an NDIS.

Without funding in the mini-budget, the Government’s commitment to a National Disability Insurance Scheme remains in-principle only.

The Government cannot continue to make promises and not provide for them in their budgets.

[1] Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2011-12 p.243