The National Disability Insurance Scheme is transforming the lives of people with disability in the Hunter region, the first launch site in New South Wales.

Shadow Minister for Disability Reform, Jenny Macklin MP joined Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, MP Member for Shortland, Jill Hall MP and Member for Charlton, Pat Conroy MP to hear first-hand from NDIS providers and participants in the Newcastle region. 

In a local forum participants shared their stories of what the NDIS has meant to their lives.

A young woman spoke about how she has gained independence by learning to drive with support from the NDIS for a specialist instructor and extra lessons.

An older man talked about moving out of shared accommodation, finally getting the support he needs to live independently.

The NDIS has meant that for the first time people with disability have been asked what they need, what their hopes and dreams are, and how they can be supported to realise their goals.

Disability support organisations spoke of how they are changing the way they do business, developing innovative technologies to better provide tailored and personalised support to NDIS participants.

Participants and organisations also talked about the high level of support they were getting from the National Disability Insurance Agency.

Over 4,000 people with disability are already benefiting from the NDIS in New South Wales.

The more than 140,000 people with disability in NSW should also be able to benefit from the NDIS.

Labor continues to call on Tony Abbott to sign the bilateral agreement with New South Wales on the transition to full roll of the NDIS.

Tony Abbott promised these bilateral agreements with states would be signed by the end of August.

Any cuts or delays to the full rollout of the NDIS would see Mr Abbott break a very clear promise to 460,000 Australians with disability, their families and carers.

People with disability shouldn’t have to wait any longer to get the support and care they deserve. 

That is why Labor built the NDIS – to provide Australians with disability with the care and support they need over their lifetimes.