Political Leaders Urged to Sign NDIS ‘Compact’

Not for Profit advocacy organisation, Carers Alliance has called on Australia’s political leaders to jointly sign a Compact agreeing to the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Carers Alliance says the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must put an end to what is says is the uncertainty that persists on the delivery of an NDIS.

“Despite the impending trials there is no certainty that a National Disability Insurance Scheme as recommended by the Productivity Commission, will be implemented” said Maree Buckwalter, President of the Carers Alliance.

“Carers Alliance has forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition a National Compact asking them to seal the deal on a National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“The full implementation of an NDIS by 2018-19 will span at least two terms of government. Which means that without a promise by both leaders the Scheme is subject to the uncertainty that arises when governments change.

“People who care for and care about people with disabilities, and people with disabilities themselves, hope and trust that a National Disability Insurance Scheme will be implemented,” Buckwalter said.

“Statements and undertakings made and given by our national leaders over recent months show there is genuine, heartfelt and bi-partisan support for an NDIS which has given us every reason to hope and trust.”

“The NDIS is a social good carrying much political capital. It is therefore not unreasonable to ask Ms Gillard and Mr Abbott to bind their worthy words in writing through a National Compact, ” she said.

View the Carers Alliance Compact here.

View the letter sent to Prime Minister Julia Gillard here. 

View the letter sent to Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbot here.