Victorian MP David Ettershank has welcomed a commitment from the state government for disability groups and families to have a role in shaping the new support program for children who will be exiting the NDIS as the federal government seeks to rein in costs.
Health Minister Mark Butler announced the new ‘Thriving Kids’ program on 21 August, intended to save the NDIS money by moving children with ‘mild’ and ‘moderate’ autism and developmental delay off the NDIS. (NDIS expenses are still growing at more than 10% a year.)
Ettershank demanded that the Victorian government commit to working with disability advocacy groups and families to develop the service. He questioned the Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn in state parliament on how she would involve the disability community.
“Will the minister commit to co-design with parents of children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism to preserve affordability and access to vital specialised services? We are seeking that undertaking, Minister,” he said.
In her reply to the question, Blandthorn assured that the Victorian government wants to make sure that families and particularly those with children impacted are involved. She also said she was seeking assurances from the federal government that families and the not-for-profit sector would have a role in defining the new service.
“They have said they want this to be a nationally consistent scheme. We are seeking to understand what that means and what that means exactly for consultation and design work, because we have not been privy to those conversations,” the minister said.
Ettershank, a member of the Legalise Cannabis Party, stressed it was vital for Victoria to fund disability advocacy services so that the voices of families and NFPs would be heard in the design process.
“Most advocacy organisations are already working at capacity, some operating on deficit budgets,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the state government had tipped in another $1.9 million in the 2024–25 budget to continue to boost the capacity of the Victorian disability advocacy program.
Ettershank also questioned Blandthorn about how much she knew about the NDIS changes. Blandthorn conceded she had limited knowledge of the new program.
“I was most surprised to hear Minister Butler’s address at the Press Club last week. I had no advance notice of what was to be in that address, and indeed, I did not hear from the Commonwealth until I think at least a day or so later. It is most concerning, in my view,” she said.
The minister said the state contributed $3 billion towards the NDIS annually and was a ‘co-author’ and wanted a role in shaping the new ‘Thriving Kids’ program.
Minister Butler has publicly said he wants to work with the states to ‘design a system really located in mainstream broad-based supports’.
Read also: Disability advocates demand government action against discrimination
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
Trending
Popular
