Most of us are aware that the disability system is in crisis. As a solution to the current hotpotch of uneven, unfair state-based systems, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was devised and recommended by the Productivity Commission in July 2011, following an 18-month investigation of the unmet needs of people with disability and their families and carers across Australia. The Federal Government has begun the first stages of implementing the scheme, but it is not guaranteed, by any political party.
The NDIS would revolutionise the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in Australia, replacing all the current state and territory disability systems. The NDIS would be portable – entitlement to support would be the same wherever you lived in Australia. Currently, disability support schemes are a lottery.
Next Monday, April 30, the Every Australian Counts campaign is staging rallies all around Australia, to help make the NDIS a reality. In Sydney, thousands of people will be heading to the AllPhones Arena in Sydney Olympic Park for an hour-long rally starting at midday.The rally will include a mix of music, speakers from the disability sector and speeches from very prominent Australian politicians. It will be exciting, carry a powerful message and hopefully leave you inspired. There will be a free sausage sizzle and bottle of water directly after the event. They have catered for 3000 people so it will be a first in, best dressed scenario!
This is a historic chance to get things right for every Australian in the future. None of us is immune to the possibility of disability, for ourselves, our families and friends – and, as nurses, for our patients.
If you’re not working on Monday or can get time off in the middle of the day, help make a NDIS a reality by coming to the rally.
Image credit: http://www.northcott.com.au/news.php?id=248
Remember to sign the NSWNA Recency of Practice Petition!
