The Federal Government has announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will start from July 2013 in up to four locations across the country.

 

Coverage will extend to 10,000 people with significant permanent disabilities by 2013, with that figure set to rise to 20,000 by July 2014.

 

“The timeframe announced today means the first stage of an NDIS will be delivered a full year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission,” Prime Minister Julia Gillard said in a statement.

The Federal Government has announced it will fund its share of the cost of the initial stage of the NDIS in the coming May Budget.

 

The initial launch locations will be determined in consultation with the states and territories - who have all agreed their shared responsibility for the fundamental reform of disability care and support.