From 1 July 2019, the Northern Territory will have completed transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), ensuring that all Territorians no matter where they live are able to access high quality disability services.

It is expected that the NDIS will create 1,000 jobs; and provide around $204 million in funded supports for around 6,500 Territorians with disability, including psychosocial disability.

Through the Bilateral Agreement with the Commonwealth Government, the Northern Territory will continue to support the implementation of the NDIS in the Territory through its annual funding contribution. 

This contribution is $103.6 million per annum, indexed at four per cent per annum, and is comprised of both cash and in-kind contributions. The in-kind contributions include the existing services of Specialist School Transport, funded through the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, and Personal Care in Schools funded through the Department of Education.

The NDIS is providing life-changing support to more than 2,200 people with disability in the Territory, with over 500 people receiving government funded support for the first time.

The Northern Territory Government continues to support people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS through:

• community allied health services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, for:

  • children aged 0-17 years, including in the school setting, who have an identified developmental delay in one area, who do not meet NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) pathways or ongoing NDIS Participant eligibility; and

  • adults whose impairment is mild to moderate, or temporary and not the result of a permanent disability (for example, people with chronic health conditions)

• community equipment and modification provision

• Commonwealth Government aged care assessments in remote communities; and

• forensic disability services.

The 2019/20 Territory Budget allows for the continuation of grant funding to organisations for the provision of peak body operations, advocacy and information services, and awards programs.

These services will support and advance opportunities for people with disability to fulfil their potential, be included in everyday life, and ensure their rights for equity and access to services.

Quotes from Minister for Disabilities, Natasha Fyles:

“I look forward to seeing the disability service sector go from strength to strength following full transitions. I would like to reassure all Territorians that the Northern Territory Government is committed to ensuring that Territorians with a disability have access to high quality services and will continue to monitor the progress of the NDIS in the NT.”

“Now that the transition to the NDIS is complete, the work of the Office of Disability within the Department of Health will be focussed on monitoring and reporting against the NDIS and whole of government disability policy and program development. This includes a Northern Territory Disability Strategy. As part of our commitment the Northern Territory Government will continue to support Territorians with a disability, including those that are not eligible for the NDIS.

Media contact: Rob Cross 0439 778 095