Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) Share this | Hansard source

Can I thank the member for his question and for his interest in the 666 participants in the NDIS in his electorate, noting of course that WA won't come into full scheme for a number of years. It's important also for the House to understand that this government is absolutely backing in Australians with disability, their families and their carer, and we are absolutely committed to making the NDIS deliver for people with disability. We can make that commitment because of one reason and one reason only, and that's the strong economy and the certain budget position and the full funding of over $18 billion this year, rising to $22 billion in the coming years.

Today, of course, is the International Day of People with Disability, which is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can continue to improve the services we provide not just to the 500,000 Australians who will be in the NDIS over the next five years but to the 4.4 million Australians—everyday, quiet Australians in our communities—who live with some form of disability.

As at 30 September there were 311,000 Australians in the NDIS, and what is extraordinarily pleasing is 114,000 of these Australians—

Mr Khalil interjecting—

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