The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program developed by the Australian Government to provide support and services to Australians with disabilities. Under this scheme, eligible individuals receive funding for a range of services and equipment to help them lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
In December 2017, a bilateral agreement was signed between the Australian and Western Australian Governments to extend the NDIS to Western Australia. This agreement aimed to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with access to the same services and support available to those in other states and territories.
The agreement was reached after extensive negotiations between the two governments, and it outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party in the implementation and delivery of the NDIS in Western Australia. It also sets out the funding arrangements for the scheme, with the Australian Government providing the majority of funding and the Western Australian Government contributing its share.
One of the key benefits of the bilateral agreement is that it allows individuals with disabilities in Western Australia to receive the same level of support as those in other states and territories. The NDIS provides funding for a range of services, including assistive technology, home modifications, and personal care, among others. This funding is tailored to each individual`s needs and goals and can help them to live a more independent and fulfilling life.
Another benefit of the agreement is that it provides certainty for service providers, who can now plan and invest in the delivery of services knowing that the NDIS is here to stay. This has helped to create more job opportunities in the disability sector, which is important for the overall economic growth of the state.
Overall, the bilateral agreement signed in December 2017 is a significant step forward in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in Western Australia. It provides them with access to a range of supports and services that can help them to lead a more independent and fulfilling life. It also provides certainty for service providers and helps to create more job opportunities in the disability sector. As the NDIS continues to roll out across the state, we can expect to see even greater benefits for individuals with disabilities and their families.