On this day ten years ago, 1 July, four trial sites across Australia opened their doors and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) started to deliver its work.
There are now almost 600,000 NDIS participants who have reported increased freedom and control over their lives to go out in their community, to work, make friends and spend their time as they choose.
Minister for the NDIS, the Hon. Bill Shorten, says being the Minister responsible for delivering this Scheme is one of the proudest moments of his career.
“The introduction of NDIS has seen a fundamental shift in the way we support people with disability,” Minister Shorten said.
“The NDIS is a life-changing piece of economic and social policy, and it is our duty to make sure it’s here for generations to come.
“Today’s anniversary is only possible because of the grassroots movement of the disability community and Every Australian Counts who galvanised thousands and called for the NDIS. Only a Labor Government was able to deliver change.
I truly believe that the NDIS is the best change politics has delivered in the 21st century.
“The Scheme has reached its 10th birthday so let’s make the saying, another year older, another year wiser, true – we need to use what we’ve learned to make the Scheme better.
“Together, we need to make sure the NDIS reflects our vision – an NDIS that works for all participants.
“Serving as the Minister for the NDIS is to serve where my passion beats. I know there is nothing I will ever do that is more important than securing the future of the Scheme.
“In the next ten years, I want us to be able to say, together, we made the Scheme better and who knows, by then we might be the blueprint for other countries wanting to change how they support their citizens with disability.”
For a timeline of the NDIS - Bringing a Vision to Life, please see History of the NDIS.
Quotes from participants and families and carers on 10 years of the NDIS