Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

One of the prime mechanisms to better support people with disability to achieve their economic goals, their employment goals and their social goals is the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. As you would know, Mr President, this seeks to put the power in the hands of the individual. An individual is assessed for the needs that they have, they are given an entitlement commensurate to their needs, and then they can take that to the service provider of their choice. I would note that, obviously, if as a person with a significant disabilities you are getting the daily supports that you need, you will be in a much better position to contemplate entering the workforce. I think that is one of the great benefits of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Again, as I often do, I want to acknowledge the staff of the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Social Services for the incredible effort that they are putting into make the NDIS a reality.