New Productivity Commission Inquiry - Disability Support
14 April 2010 at 11:25 am
The Australian Productivity Commission has begun its inquiry into a National Disability Care and Support scheme.
The Inquiry forms part of the Rudd Government’s ten year National Disability Strategy being developed with State and Territory Governments and in consultation with the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council.
The Inquiry will examine a range of options, and consider whether a no-fault social insurance approach to disability is appropriate in Australia. It will also examine the implications of such a scheme for Australia’s health, aged care, and income support systems, and potential interactions with injury insurance schemes.
Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin says the Inquiry is an important opportunity to rethink how to support people with disability, their families and carers, so that they can participate in their community, get a job where possible, and live a happy and meaningful life.
In December 2009 the Federal Government established an Independent Panel of people with expertise and knowledge of disability issues to advise the Productivity Commission during the course of the Inquiry.
It was announced that John Walsh, a Partner in the Advisory Practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers, would serve as Associate Commissioner to the Productivity Commission.
Walsh is also part of the PricewaterhouseCoopers National Health practice, with consulting responsibilities in the industries of health, disability and accident compensation – particularly lifetime care and support.
In the early 1980s, he was motivated by his own disability (quadriplegia) and profession (actuary) to gain a keener understanding of the planning processes and materials behind Australia’s health and welfare systems.
The Productivity Commission has already received a record 930 expressions of interest in the Inquiry and is looking for further submissions.
The Inquiry will also hold consultations across Australia and report to the Government in July 2011.
To obtain a copy of the discussion paper or the terms of reference for the Inquiry and see the schedule of consultations, go to http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support or contact Clair Angel at cangel@pc.gov.au or on (02) 6240 3239.
