The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has gone live this week in Latrobe, South Gippsland, Baw Baw and Bass Coast local government areas.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the NDIS rollout meant the number of people with a disability receiving support in these areas was expected to grow from 3300 to 4600 by 2019.
“The NDIS will provide additional support to people under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability,” Mr Chester said.
“Each case will be different, but the NDIS will assist with personal care, transport and access to the community, allied therapies and equipment.”
The scheme officially commenced in ‘Inner Gippsland’ on October 1.
Mr Chester said the commencement of the NDIS would also create local jobs and stimulate investment in the area.
“The NDIS will deliver an additional investment of $120 million to this region, bringing the total for the sector to $220 million,” Mr Chester said.
“The number of full time equivalent positions working in the sector locally is predicted to almost double: from just under 1000 to 1850.”
Those who already receive support from the Federal or State Governments will be contacted by an NDIS representative when it is time to transition to the scheme.
This includes people waiting for support on the Victorian Disability Support Register and Early Childhood Intervention Services.
Those who live in the inner Gippsland area who don’t currently receive support and think they may meet the NDIS access requirements can call 1800 800 110.
People who need help with English can contact the NDIS by calling the TIS National line on 131 450. Those with hearing or speech loss can contact the NDIS via TTY on 1800 555 677.
The NDIS rollout for the region called ‘Outer Gippsland’, which includes Wellington and East Gippsland shire councils, is scheduled for January 1, 2019.
