NDIS-image

2015 BUDGET TO SUPPORT NDIS ROLL-OUT, DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AND CARERS

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed measures in the 2015-16 Budget that will deliver support for the full roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), improve employment services for people with disability and increase assistance for Australia’s 2.7 million carers.

The 2015 Budget initiatives are part of the Government’s commitment to full delivery of the NDIS and acknowledgement of the important work carers perform in communities across Australia.

Supporting the full rollout of the NDIS

Mr Vasta said, “The 2015 Budget commits $695 million for the NDIS for the next financial year, in line with the Government’s commitment to continue the trial sites and to prepare for the full rollout of the Scheme from July 2016.”

“The NDIS is already supporting more than 10,000 Australians. At full roll-out more than 460,000 people with disability will benefit from the NDIS.”

Importantly, the 2015 Budget will provide $143 million for a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) system to support full delivery of the NDIS. The current ICT system does not provide the full range of capabilities required for full roll-out nor was it intended to service the Scheme long term.

The new system will support over 460,000 participants and service providers, deliver enhanced data to federal, state and territory governments and streamline the process for people with disability.

More support for Australians with disability

The 2015 Budget continues the Government’s strong record of supporting employment opportunities for people with disability,” Mr Vasta said.

“The Budget delivers $25 million over four years to start to shape Disability Employment toward a new model in 2018.”

“This includes $9 million over three years to create the JobAccess Gateway for people with disability and employers.”

JobAccess Gateway will be a new online service centre for people with disability and employers, complemented by a range of in-work supports to help people with disability to develop appropriate skills and lead them to finding and keeping a job.

The Gateway will streamline services and programmes and create a virtual disability employment marketplace through a new digital and client relationship service centre.

Supporting Australia’s carers

Mr Vasta has welcomed important measures to support Australia’s carers.

“Carers will benefit from easier access to critical information and services—$33.7 million will be invested in the Integrated Plan for Carer Support Services (IPCSS), which will streamline and coordinate services for carers and deliver a national carer gateway,” Mr Vasta said.

Carers are currently searching for support and services through a number of often confusing pathways across the disability, community mental health and aged care sectors.

This carer-specific entry point will comprise a national telephone contact centre and a website to help carers find support and services, regardless of the need or the age of the person they care for.

“We know that not all carers access formal support, so this carer gateway will give them information to all forms of support,” Mr Vasta said.

Read More
ahop_01-1

SUPPORTING GREATER CHOICE FOR OLDER AUSTRALIANS IN BONNER

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today said the Government is improving aged care in Australia to reduce regulation and allow home care funding to follow the individual to provide greater choice over their future.

Mr Vasta said the Government is investing $73.7 million over four years to improve the way home care services are delivered to older Australians.

“Australians in Bonner deserve to be able to choose their own service provider and be in charge of their own care,” Mr Vasta said.

“We are living longer and healthier lives, and it is important that as Australians age, they retain control over choices that impact their lives.”

The Government’s  investment will allow the $7.5 billion provided over four years for home care packages to be used by older Australians to pay for the services they need to remain in their own home for longer.”

In 2013-14, more than 80,000 Australians received a Home Care Package, and almost 776,000 received Home and Community Care Services.

This new funding will open up competition in the home care sector, leading to enhanced quality, innovation and service delivery.

From 1 February 2017, older Australians receiving Home Care Packages each year will have control over their funds and will be able to direct them to the providers of their choice.

Currently, funding for Home Care Packages goes straight to the service provider and the individual has to find a service with an available package.

The changes place individuals at the centre of their care and in control of their funds, similar to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Read More

COALITION GOVERNMENT TO MAKE AGED PENSIONS FAIRER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta has welcomed new changes announced in the 2015-16 Budget that will make the age pension fairer and more sustainable.

The changes mean:

 

  • More than 170,000 pensioners with modest assets will have their pensions increased by an average of $30 per fortnight;

 

  • No change or higher pensions for 90 per cent of pensioners;

 

  • Last year’s Budget measure to link pension increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has been taken off the table.

 

“The Government is providing more assistance to pensioners with modest means and at the same time, is being responsible by making the age pension system more sustainable,” Mr Vasta said.

“We’ve been listening and consulting.”

We’ve got the balance right, with no change or a higher pension for 90 per cent of age pensioners.”

“Pensions will continue to be indexed with a more generous indexation measure.”

Mr Vasta said older Australians not on the pension and funding their own retirement with superannuation can be confident that the Government will continue to provide strong support for superannuation.

“We believe in helping and rewarding Australians who put away for their own retirement,” Mr Vasta said.

“Mr Shorten has already announced he will hit older Australians hard with new taxes on superannuation.”

“With an ageing population, this is the wrong way to go.”

“Unlike Labor, we have no plans to increase taxes on superannuation.”

“The Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment not to make adverse or unexpected changes to superannuation.”

More details about the changes to the age pension are available at www.dss.gov.au.

Read More
STRONGER-COMMUNITIES-GRAPHIC

STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME A BOOST FOR BONNER

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta today said the Bonner electorate had received a significant boost in the 2015-16 Budget with the Coalition Government’s new Stronger Communities Programme.

Stronger Communities will provide $45 million over two years to fund small capital projects in local communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“Our community will receive funding of $150,000 per year over two years, to support projects that deliver social benefits.

“I will be consulting closely with eligible organisations in Bonner to identify high‑priority projects.”

“Between $1,000 and $20,000 will be made available to reputable, not-for-profit organisations for local projects.”

“Grants will fund projects that will yield significant social benefits and can be delivered within the two-year lifespan of the programme.”

“I look forward to seeing new local projects for a stronger community, and to the people of Bonner benefitting from this programme.”

“The 2015-16 Budget is the next step in the Government’s responsible, long-term economic plan to build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians.”

Guidelines for the Programme will be available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website at www.infrastructure.gov.au.

Read More