Why social reform is difficult in Australia-NDIS

Surely no one expected me to be quiet about this topic?
I have been lurking around Twitter and Facebook on and off all day (amongst other places) and have been adding my two cents everywhere I can.
I must admit I am worn out from it, especially after reading many of the comments that suggest that we, as parents and carers, should be the only ones taking care of our loved ones with a disability-no one else.

For my overseas readers, in a nutshell, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is due to start being introduced this year (Every Australian Counts Campaign )
What it will mean is that people with a disability will have access to funds to enable them to live life to the fullest. It means, for example, that Ryley would be allocated money for the rest of his life to help him work and live.
It will mean greater access to Early Intervention for families.
It will mean access to funding to cover the cost of equipment.
It will mean funding to help with respite, and therapies.

It won't matter how you acquired you disability, you will be still able to access funds as you need them.
The more severe and complex, the greater the access to funding and support will be.

It is the biggest social reform since the introduction of Medicare.
It could possibly be the biggest social reform ever in this country.

What people don't seem to realise is that by supporting people with disabilities to enter the workforce (thus their carers also being able to stay in the workforce), will actually increase the amount of taxes being paid. This is instead of the government having to pay disability pensions.
To me, this makes sense.
To the majority of the population, this doesn't for some reason (these are the people apparently immune to disability).

Currently the state we live in, Victoria, has said they would support a trial, but are unwilling to cough up the $10 million as their State contribution. They would much rather spend that kind of money on railroad crossings that aren't needed. Plus Ted (our Premier) can't even used People First language, choosing instead to use the term 'the disabled community'. He does feel sorry for us. He even said so.

Infuriating.

The Premier of the State of Queensland basically doesn't even support it.
He seems to hate people with disabilities.
Charming man.

I have read so much crap on the internet today that I am ready to move to the farm and stay in hibernation forever.
It is so disheartening to see the debate about people with disabilities in the media and read some of the comments the general population make.

I can tell you that the community of Carers, Parents and People with a disability is a strong one.
There are plenty of strong voices out there.

And I plan to be one of them.



Comments

  1. That's it Anna, they want people to be worn out to continue propagating promises never to be kept. Hopefully you can choose your battles and continue to connect to others like minded because only together can change be made lasting. Believe me, you are still light years ahead of what goes on here in the banana republic.

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  2. Amen, Anna! It is important but both tiring and frustrating to be an advocate for what is right. In the US we have initiated strides to provide for stipends and care for the disabled, but at price...the price is eventually worthwhile. Please keep up the energy for the good work!

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  3. I am so sorry. I find it amazing to hear what still comes out of people's mouths! Especially those with power! It is infuriating!! Best of luck!

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