The Disability Investment Group was established by Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin and Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities Bill Shorten last year to provide advice on ways to explore funding ideas from the private sector to help people with disabilities and their families access greater support and plan for the future.

The number of people with a severe or profound disability has been predicted to rise to 2.3 million by 2030. In response, the Government recognises the need to look at how to better support people with disability over the long-term.

“The Government has already responded to the report’s primary recommendation, announcing last week that the Productivity Commission will undertake a comprehensive feasibility study into a national disability insurance scheme,” said Macklin.

“The Productivity Commission will investigate the feasibility of new approaches, including a social insurance model, for funding and delivering long-term disability care and support for people with severe or profound disabilities however they are acquired.

“This will include detailed modelling and analysis to determine if a long-term disability care and support scheme would be appropriate, practical, economically responsible and whether it would fit with Australia’s health, aged care, income support and injury insurance systems.”

The Report also makes recommendations on employment, housing and research. These recommendations will inform the Government’s policy consideration in developing the National Disability Strategy.

The Government and the Productivity Commission will also be advised by an independent panel of seven people who bring considerable experience across the disability sector, including Chair of Yooralla Bruce Bonyhady, Chair of the National People with Disabilities and Carer Council Rhonda Galbally, and Australian Medical Association President Andrew Pesce.

The Productivity Commission will report to the Government in July 2011.