THE NDIS V’S THE FARMERS
May the 15th 2013 Oh what a glorious day that was.
Do you remember this little speech by then Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard?
We’ve had a lot of prime ministers since she was ousted from her job.
Anyway let me take you back so you can bask in the glory that was the first stages of the rollout of the NDIS.
Ahh the early days, the tears, the commitment.
So if your reading this wondering what the hell is the NDIS scheme then let me explain.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was initiated by the Australian Government for Australians with a disability, including people with intellectual, physical, sensory and psycho-social disabilities.
Its purpose was to create a managed market for disability services within Australia.
The NDIS is established by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. The NDIS commenced being rolled out nationally on 1 July 2016.
So cut to a national roll-out happening.
The government in its inevitable wisdom has decided that we need one local government centre so all the local NDIS centres will be closing and packing their bags and heading to Canberra.
In WA where I live we have begun our roll-out (not in my area just yet, maybe before Christmas we can’t sure) but I digress.
There have been a lot of teething problems with the roll-out see two videos below.
Now the reason for me writing this blog post is because I came across this article last night on the web.
The reason why I am so angry is that money that was meant to be ear marked for the NDIS (i.e. to fund it $3.9 billion) is now being allocated to the farmers.
Ok take a deep breath.
I was of the understanding that the farmers had been ear marked $7 billion as Scott Morrison (our latest in a long line of Prime Ministers)
Told the Australian public along with the baying press pack
“I have unveiled a suite of new measures — worth $7bn over time — to drought proof Australia, including a cash payment and voucher scheme to give an economic boost to regional towns struggling in harsh conditions.
A new online farm hub, an issue championed by the National Farmers’ Federation, will also provide better access to information and support mechanisms for those communities affected by drought.”
So why is the government taking away money ear marked for those about to or are already in the NDIS scheme?
Whose more important?
As this Q & A special about the NDIS explains that money is vital to the disabled community in helping to make life easier for those caring for someone who is disabled.
The NDIS is in place so that families can have access to much needed funds in order to afford services and equipment to improve the life of the disabled person that they are caring for and also it is there to ease the financial burden that is placed on those families.
Look I have nothing against the farmers.
They’ve suffered they really have.
But those who are disabled have suffered too.
This brand spanking new scheme rolled out by Julia G (That’s her nickname from now on) was hailed as something which we in the disabled community had been crying out for.
But now it seems that the government appears to hold a different view.
It’s like Sophie’s choice only in this case, Sophie’s made her choice and it’s not all that pretty.
Carry on the Conversation
What are your thoughts on what the government is doing? What is the answer?
Let me know in the comments below.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next time for more thoughts from across the spectrum.
Autistic Nick 