Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, has called on the major parties to commit to ending age discrimination in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and enshrining funding based on need.
“While it’s encouraging to hear the Labor Party promising to review the operation and design of the NDIS, both they and the Liberals also need to commit to properly resourcing the scheme and that means genuine needs-based funding that is in no way budget capped,” Mr Wilkie said. “It also means extending the NDIS to new entrants over the age of 65. Everyone should be able to receive the same level of support, regardless of age.
“It’s disgraceful that older people with disabilities are so often condemned to a poorer quality of life. As we all know, the aged care system is already incapable of looking after the elderly let alone caring for those with complex and special needs.”