The Federal and Victorian Governments have struck a deal that will see the Barwon Region host one of the first National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trial sites.

 

The trial in the Barwon Region is due to start in July next year and will see some 5,000 people with significant and profound disabilities, their families and carers have their needs assessed and start to receive individual car and support packages under the scheme.

 

Under an NDIS people with disability in the Barwon region will:

  • be assessed to receive NDIS individualised care and support packages;
  • have decision-making power about their care and support, including choice of service provider;
  • be assisted by local coordinators to help manage and deliver their support; and
  • access a system they can easily navigate and that will link them to mainstream and community services.The Australian and Victorian Governments will work together to provide people with disability, their families and carers with the care and support they need, when they need it.

 

This work will include developing a consistent approach to assessing people's needs; and working with service providers to build the capacity of the disability care workforce in the Barwon region.

 

The Victorian launch is in addition to launches already agreed with New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT.

 

The Victorian funding contribution and governance arrangements are consistent with those agreed with other jurisdictions.

 

The Victorian Government will invest over $300 million for disability services for people in the Barwon Region over the trial period.

 

The Australian and Victorian Government's will hold further discussions regarding the location of the agency and a potential $25 million contribution from the Victorian Government for the establishment of the agency in Geelong.