Up to $26 million for advocacy groups

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Disability Services Ray Williams today announced up to $26 million will be available for advocacy services until 2020.

The funding will support people with disability to access these services during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and in the early stages of full Scheme.

Ms Berejiklian said the NSW Government is committed to successfully transitioning supports and services to the NDIS for people with disability.

“During a time of major change for people with disability, the NSW Government is committed to making the transition to the NDIS as smooth as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We understand the transition has created concerns for people with disability and I want to assure the community we have been listening to those concerns.

“That is why we have set aside this funding. It will make sure people with disability can continue to access services and information, particularly in regional and rural communities.”

A key focus of the NSW funding will be on activities that support inclusion of people with disability in their communities.

Mr Williams said NSW is leading the way in transitioning to the NDIS.

“This is the largest social reform since Medicare and it’s important we get it right for people with disability,” Mr Williams said.

“We will continue to work with the Commonwealth Government to ensure the NDIS is successful and sustainable in NSW.”

More than 84,000 people with disability in NSW are currently accessing the NDIS in NSW.