The way disability services are funded and provided is soaked with injustice and complexity. A properly designed National Disability Insurance Scheme could change all this and Christians have a key role in making it a reality. Politicians need a mandate to make these big changes - the loud, clear voices of thousands of Christians are powerful and persuasive.
Take this scenario which demonstrates the current inequity in disability services; a person who sustains a debilitating disability in a car accident has access to adequate assessment and services thanks to Compulsory Third Party Insurance, but another person who accidentally slips over a cliff on a bush walk and can never walk again literally has to fight to be assessed and receive support.
How you obtain a disability should not determine either the ease of access to services or the quality of services available to you. But it does, because our system of disability support is so terribly underfunded and fractured.
A proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme
The Productivity Commission’s recent suggestion of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and a National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIIS) that would cover catastrophic injury are truly excellent policy proposals that could breathe new life into a failing system.
Essentially, the Federal Government would assume all responsibility for funding disability services (currently shared with the States) and establish an independent body that sets a fair price for different services. On the face of it, the suggestions will simplify access to disability services and enhance them as well.
One of the main benefits of an NDIS is that it would essentially be a no-fault scheme that applies to all people who are either born with, or obtain a disability. It would assess and care for people on an equal basis, bringing equity and justice.
As a reflection of how badly funded disability services currently are, the Productivity Commission proposes doubling the total funding to $12 billion. This would cover disability services for over 350,000 Australians. The new money would come from consolidated revenue rather than a new tax or levy.
There are many risks to an NDIS becoming reality. Different States and Territories will bicker about the precise structure of such a scheme, it will cost money and there is uncertainty about sustaining niche services for those with particularly high needs.
Make disability reform happen
As important decisions are made in the coming months, please pray with me that the Government establishes a fully funded NDIS. I am in awe of the perseverance manifest by those with a disability and the dedication of their carers. But right now they are seriously struggling with a system that is confusing and operates on a shoe string.
You can also go to the Every Australian Counts website and sign a petition supporting an NDIS. This is a very important tool in proving to Government that there is enough public support for an NDIS – why not get your church to sign up one Sunday!
Followers of Christ should be remarkable for their love for others, particularly those struggling with disadvantage. So I believe Christians should be tremendous advocates for the NDIS – it is smart policy and will help us love and support people with a disability and their carers much better.
Mostly though, Christians should support an NDIS because every person is precious.
Peter Kell is CEO of Anglicare Sydney
