Message from the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP
On Monday, 23 November 2009, in announcing that the Government has commissioned a feasibility study into a national long-term care and support scheme for people with disability in Australia, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made what I believe is one of the most exciting and significant announcements this Government has made on disability.
Ever since I took up my portfolio of Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities, advocates have spoken to me about their support for some kind of whole-of-life support scheme, perhaps based on a national insurance model for people with disability.
This idea was raised at the 2020 Summit in 2008, and I know it has the support of many in the disability community who believe it is the best way of providing person-centred care and offering early intervention to people with disability.
The feasibility study forms part of the Australian Government’s National Disability Strategy and will be conducted by the Productivity Commission, guided by an independent advisory panel. The Commission will consult widely and will be assisted by an Associate Commissioner with specialist disability expertise.
On 3 December 2009, International Day of People with Disability, Minister Macklin and I were pleased to announce that Mr John Walsh will serve as the Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission Inquiry. We were also pleased to announce that Government has appointed a seven member Independent Panel with relevant expertise and experience of disability which will advise the Government and the Productivity Commission during the Inquiry. The members of the Independent Panel are:
- Mr Bruce Bonyhady
- Mr David Bowen
- Dr Rhonda Galbally AO
- Ms Robyn McKay
- Dr Andrew Pesce
- Ms Ann Sherry AO
- Mr Ian Silk
The Rudd Government is committed to finding new approaches to funding and delivering disability services, and the Productivity Commission’s report will be the first step towards a solution.
The inquiry will consider costs, implementation and design issues, governance arrangements and administrative issues, including for a social insurance model that reflects a shared risk of disability across the population.
The Australian Government has also released the Disability Investment Group's report. The report, The Way Forward: A new disability policy framework for Australia, is an important contribution to the Australian Government's National Disability Strategy. The Government has already responded to the report's primary recommendation, through the announcement of the feasibility study into long-term care and support for people with disability in Australia.
Also in relation to the National Disability Strategy, the Commonwealth is proposing that the Strategy be developed through the Council of Australian Governments. The Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments have adopted a vision for the National Disability Strategy – an inclusive Australian society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens. Such an approach will assist the harnessing of support across all levels of government to make a positive difference to the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.
Bill Shorten