Jan McLucas (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for her question. In just one week DisabilityCare Australia launches around our country. In one week a new future will begin in Tasmania for young people aged between 15 and 24, in South Australia for children aged between nought and 14 and in the Barwon area of Victoria and the Hunter area of New South Wales for people up to the age of 65. From 1 July 2014, DisabilityCare Australia will commence across the ACT and in the Barkley region of the Northern Territory. Rollout of the full scheme in these states and territories, as well as in Queensland, will commence progressively from July 2016. That will mean that 90 per cent of Australians will be covered under the agreements we have made with the states and territories, but we also want to see Western Australia step up to the plate and make sure that no-one is left behind.

Last week the government appointed a longstanding champion of disability reform in Australia, Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM, as the inaugural chair of the board of DisabilityCare Australia. The board will set the strategic direction of DisabilityCare Australia and play an important role in safeguarding its financial sustainability, including by commissioning and then considering actuarial advice in its decision making. The board members, appointed by the government, have extensive experience in the disability sector, in insurance matters, in financial management and in corporate governance. These appointments have been endorsed by all states and territories. Next Monday, 1 July, marks the culmination of years of effort by government, the disability services sector, advocacy groups and most importantly people with disability and their families and carers. (Time expired)