Fight for support

By EMMA SUN
MOUNT Evelyn’s disability organisation dominated at the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rally last Monday to fight for better support services.
It was a sea of red at Federation Square, with about 100 clients and friends from Melba Support Services among thousands of others rallying for the cause.
CEO Glenn Foard said it was fantastic to see so many people giving their support for the NDIS.
“The message from everyone was very clear – we want a NDIS now,” he said.
“There has been positive talk, but the time for talk is over, we need action.
“We want an agreement between the states and the commonwealth with respect to how this will be funded and we want to see legislation introduced to federal parliament to start the scheme.”
Mount Evelyn resident Chris MacKay knew first-hand just how important the scheme would be for those with disabilities that are in need.
She is the mother of 31-year-old Margie who is intellectually disabled and has mild cerebral palsy, and acquired assistance from Melba last year.
“It’s just one of those things that you just take it in your stride – we weren’t told a lot about the support out there and we still don’t know much about what’s out there,” she said.
“We received at-home respite for Margie from Melba and my husband and I went on our first holiday in 31 years.
“I think the NDIS would be a big help for other families because they could receive more support – I think it’s been a long time coming and I think it’s about time something was done.”
While Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced to those at the rally that the government was committed to introducing the scheme, Mr Foard said she didn’t go into the details that many people wanted to hear.
“Whilst that recommitment was very pleasing, we’re not going to stop campaigning until the scheme is introduced,” Mr Foard said.
The State Government has allocated $38 million towards 400 new individual support packages as part of the disability budget package and will provide more than $14 million over four years for operating costs of 53 new accommodation places.
Funding of $900,000 has been allocated toward the launch and implementation of the NDIS, including improved service integration and increased support options for people with a disability.
But Mr Foard said more was needed to give the disabled the support they required, so they are looking forward to the release of the Federal budget today (Tuesday) to find out how much more funding they would receive.
“It’s progress and the signs are positive but we’ve still got a way to go,” he said.
“We understand that it can’t be implemented throughout the country in one go but we welcome the notion that initially 10,000 people will receive support from scheme, which will grow to 20,000 following year and 400,000 over a number of years.
“We just need to make sure it starts.”