The State Government's commitment to seeing Tasmania as one of the four launch sites for the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been reiterated at a public forum in Hobart this morning.

 

The Premier, Lara Giddings, said discussions on the implementation of the NDIS were continuing through the Council of Australian Governments, with Tasmania well-placed to be one of the scheme's four launch sites.

 

"This is sweeping reform that will give much-needed support to people with disability, their carers and their families," Ms Giddings said.

 

"While there are still a range of issues to be worked through with the Commonwealth, including the level of funding required from the State Government, we will continue to push the case for Tasmania to be one of the first cabs off the rank.

 

"The State Government has established a taskforce of stakeholders which has already met to give people living with disability, their families and care providers the opportunity to provide input into the design of the scheme."

 

The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O'Connor, told today's forum that the State Government has shown a strong commitment to supporting Tasmanians with disability.

 

"In the 2012-13 State Budget, we have allocated more than $175 million to Disability Services," Ms O'Connor said.

 

"Through reform to the disability sector, in particular the transition to Gateway Service and introduction of the Disability Services Act 2012, Tasmanians with disability have greater choice and greater opportunity to direct services in ways that better suit their needs.

 

"I believe the NDIS will provide a real opportunity to increase the level of support available to Tasmanians with disability, their families and carers.

 

"Through our ongoing funding to disability services and our reform of the sector, we have shown a strong investment in the disability service system and a commitment to supporting people with disability, which strengthens our case to be a launch site for the NDIS."