The Minister for Human Services, Cassy O’Connor, said today was a great day for Tasmanians living with disability, with landmark legislation to establish the National Disability Insurance Scheme passing through Federal Parliament.

“This is a watershed moment for people living with disability right around Australia,” Ms O’Connor said.

“The legislation that has now been passed by both houses of Federal Parliament paves the way for this much needed reform – the single biggest social and economic reform since Medicare.

“It’s a reform that will make a major difference in the lives people with disability, and I congratulate all MPs who supported it.”

Ms O’Connor praised the commitment of those involved in the development of National Disability Insurance Scheme, to be known as DisabilityCare Australia.

 “This has been an extraordinary effort that has involved a significant contribution from people living with disability, their family, carers and supporters, as well as staff from both State and Federal Governments, and my Federal counterpart Jenny Macklin,” she said.

“Each of these outstanding individuals has shown a deep commitment to improving the lives of people living with disability, and the supports available to them.”

Ms O’Connor said the Tasmanian Government was continuing to work to ensure the state was ready to participate as a launch site for the NDIS.

“Our role as a launch site will benefit around 1000 Tasmanians with disability aged between 15 and 24,” she said.

“To support our role as a launch site, we are providing up to $2 million a year on top of  our projected budgeted spend of $17.9 million on disability services for this age group.

“We are also continuing to discuss the rollout of the full scheme with the Commonwealth.”