CHESTER MARKS PASSING OF DISABILITY SCHEME LEGISLATION
March 28, 2013
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the passage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) legislation through Parliament.
Mr Chester took the opportunity to reflect on the efforts of those who had supported the process to see an NDIS implemented.
“Can I congratulate the Minister on behalf of The Nationals,” Mr Chester told Parliament.
“I also recognise, with his presence in the Chamber, the former Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services (Bill Shorten)…who I believe has been an outstanding advocate in this place for people with disabilities and their carers, and who I believe contributed significantly to moving this debate forward at a time when it was possible it may have stalled.
“I congratulate the government for the steps it has taken today.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition had strongly supported the NDIS legislation and while its passage was a significant milestone, there was still a long way to go in terms of the full implementation and delivery of the scheme.
“The Coalition has long argued for the establishment of a joint Parliamentary committee, chaired by both sides of politics, to oversee the design and implementation of the NDIS,” Mr Chester said.
“It would also lock in all parties and provide a non-partisan environment where issues could be worked through co-operatively.
“It’s disappointing that the government and the Greens voted against the amendment put forward by the Coalition for its establishment.
“However, if elected, a Coalition Government remains committed to putting in place a bipartisan committee to oversee the NDIS implementation and address issues that emerge through the launch sites.”
“The Coalition remains willing to work with the government and all jurisdictions to make the NDIS a reality.”