Victoria Looks at New National Standards for Disability Services
23 May 2012 at 10:41 am
The Victorian Government has set the ball rolling in the national efforts to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Government is calling for public input into the national standards for disability services in preparation for the NDIS.
The Victorian Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge says the introduction of national standards is one of 11 foundation reforms that are the building blocks of an NDIS and Victoria is leading this work on behalf of the Commonwealth and the other States and Territories.
“The national standards will set a high benchmark for disability services, so that no matter where in Australia an individual, family member or carer accesses disability support, they will know they can expect the same level of high quality service.
“We are therefore seeking feedback on the first draft of the national standards for disability services, as part of the National Quality Framework project,” Wooldridge said.
Wooldridge said there were a number of ways that people could contribute to the draft standards including an online national survey to capture the views of individuals, service providers and organisations on the draft standards.
The Government is also holding workshops and focus groups across Australia, with specific focus groups for people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and other culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
To provide feedback on the draft the survey can be accessed online here.
Written submissions are being accepted until June 15 2012.
The Victorian Government says while it is leading the way on advancing the NDIS, the Federal Government must begin discussions with the States and Territories on the ongoing funding principles of the scheme.
A spokesperson says the Commonwealth has so far refused to enter into these discussions.
He says despite the $1 Billion announced in the Federal Budget, this money is for set up costs with no details being given on how the trials will be funded and the ongoing funding.
A copy of the draft national standards can be found on the National Quality Framework website.
