350. Hon Alison Xamon to the Minister for Disability Services:
I refer to the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and I ask:
(a) will the Government commit to ensuring that block funding is maintained to a range of essential services following the roll out of the NDIS, including:
(i) funding for the provision of services in regional areas;
(ii) funding for niche services;
(iii) funding for coordination services;
(iv) funding for peripheral services, for example transport; and
(v) funding for systemic and individual advocacy; and
(b) if no to any of (a), why not?
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:
(a) (i)–(v) Under the NDIS, all funding is to be individualised. Block funding arrangements for supports funded under the NDIS will be phased out as people transition into the Scheme.
The State Government recognises the importance of regional, niche, coordination and peripheral services that are outside the NDIS parameters in order for people with disability to have access to quality services.
The State Government remains committed to ensuring people with disability have access to advocacy. A review of advocacy is currently being undertaken and I am expecting to receive a report on this matter during November 2017.
(b) See above.