|
Source: Office of Rachel Siewert MP Mining tax ideal funding for disability insurance scheme: Greens
Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Monday 28th February 2011, 3:01pm
The Australian Greens say funds from the mining tax could be used to pay for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, providing long term security to Australia’s disability support services and ensuring budget cuts won’t be needed to fund the scheme.
Speaking after the release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report into Disability Care and Support, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for Community Services said a NDIS would build Australia’s capacity to provide better support and care services for people living with a disability and for carers.
“Independence and self determination are key factors in anyone’s life, regardless of their differing abilities,” Senator Siewert said today. “Our current disability support system is dysfunctional; it does not meet peoples’ needs and does not allow people to participate equally in all aspects of our social, political, economic and cultural lives.
“A National Disability Insurance Scheme would provide appropriate and adequate support services that are equitable, efficient and fair and which provide long term care and support for people in our community.
“The Productivity Commission has recommended a scheme funded by consolidated revenue, with payments going directly to a National Disability Insurance Premium Fund.
“The use of revenue from the mining tax would allow the NDIS, a national priority, to be implemented by consolidated revenue, ensuring there are no funding cuts in other areas.
“In addition to the issue of funding, The Greens are keen to participate in discussions about key areas of the scheme.
“The NDIS has the capacity to radically improve the lives of thousands of Australians and their families,” Senator Siewert concluded.
|
