Speech on behalf of the Australian and Tasmanian Greens – NDIS Hobart Rally 12pm – 30 April, attended by The Premier, Julie Collins, Eric Abetz, Nick McKim, Andrew Wilkie, Elise Archer, Jacquie Petrusma, Bryan Green, Brian Wightman, Scott Bacon, David and Michelle O’Byrne
It’s great to see so many determined Tasmanians here standing up for fairness,community, shared responsibility and the huge opportunity the National Disability Insurance Scheme represents for our nation and its people – all its people.
We’ve listened intently today to the lived experience of Tasmanians living with disability – their daily struggles and triumphs; we’ve heard from family carers and advocates; and we are hearing statements of sincere commitment to an NDIS shortly from the Premier – who I am proud to work alongside on this issue, and federal representatives of Labor and Liberal parties.
Now you will hear it wholeheartedly and unreservedly from the Greens.
With respect to the previous speaker, Senator Abetz, this is not a ‘bipartisan issue’ it’s a tri-partisan issue …
We commit to doing everything and all within our capacity to see the NDIS delivered, with funding in this year’s Federal Budget, and launched at a number of sites around the country, including Tasmania – where our excellent Gateway service model is up and running, and reflects a number of the operational features of the coming NDIS.
As a Green Minister with portfolio responsibility for disability services I am very aware that too many Tasmanians living with disability are missing out on support and services that would allow for a more independent, socially connected life.
Too many are missing out because there simply aren’t the dollars available to ensure all those who need extra support to live their lives to the fullest, are given an even chance to do so.
The Tasmanian Government funds 87 community sector organizations, and in this financial year will spend $163 million delivering quality services and life-enhancing supports, more independent living and individual choice. But, it’s not enough.
The State Government has doubled the funding for individual support packages over the past five years, but it’s still not nearly enough to meet all the need within our community.
We are never going to be able to meet the need in our community without an NDIS, a coordinated national approach that has at its heart an understanding that it is a right of all Australians of differing abilities the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
Like Medicare, it would embed in law a shared responsibility we have as Australians towards each other. It would make Australia a fairer, more just and socially dynamic nation of people, more compassionate and connected.
Without the NDIS, the truth is that for tens of thousands of Australians living with disability, their families and carers, this is no lucky country.
We have heard many stories today, stories of hardship, courage, determination and love. As Minister with portfolio responsibility for disability services, I hear these stories near daily, and understand the responsibility I have to be part of ensuring the NDIS becomes a reality.
As Minister for Human Services, I sit on the Select Council on the NDIS with the Premier, Minister Macklin and State and Territory Ministers. The Federal Treasurer has also put in an appearance.
At times it has been disheartening, with arguments over how it will be funded and how it would work, who would run it.
At times I thought …and said at the table …’This is taking too long. People are missing out as we argue and argue.’
More recently, after the COAG meeting we have seen more promising signs of a cooperative approach. It must prevail.
The Productivity Commission says the Federal Government should fund the scheme, either from Consolidated Revenue or via a Medicare style levy.
Sounds pretty fair ….
Tasmanians can be assured that the Premier and I are doing all that we can to ensure that Tasmania is one of the start up points for the NDIS in June next year. We’ll be working closely with those who have the greatest stake in an NDIS to make sure Tasmania makes a strong case to be in the starting lineup so the change that is needed can come sooner rather than later.
Prime Minister Gillard is also addressing an NDIS rally in Sydney today.
She has stated and restated strong commitment to delivering the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and ahead of the Productivity Commission timeline. And, good on Julia – we’re all cheering her on, all the way.
The first tangible proof of this commitment will surely be in the upcoming Federal Budget. Come on Julia, show us the money ….
Labor, the Coalition, we the Greens, and independents have all pledged to support the NDIS – and we must put politics aside, completely this once, to come good on our pledge.
The people we were elected to serve have waited long enough.
Skills Institute: NBN speed on wheels delivers vital training for Tasmanian disability workers
New disability support workers in southern Tasmania will today benefit from a virtual
induction training session delivered from the other end of the State, through the Skills
Institute’s new Mobile Training Centre (MTC), connected to the National Broadband
Network.
The MTC – part of the Institute’s NBN Speed on Wheels project – aims to capitalise on
the roll-out of the NBN in Tasmania to trial the provision of accessible training solutions
for apprentices, trainees and employers in remote locations.
Equipped with 15 computers, it will provide a model for an alternative training strategy,
particularly for remote and small workplaces that often find it hard to function without
their apprentices required to attend training off site.
Skills Institute CEO Malcolm White said the MTC was visiting the three stage 1 NBN
areas in Tasmania – Smithton, Scottsdale and Midway Point – providing the opportunity
for remote facilitation in a virtual classroom environment in areas such as horticulture,
hospitality, human services and natural resources.
“Today’s visit to Midway Point will provide disability support trainees with a two-hour
session conducted by Skills Institute teacher, Mark Krause, who will remotely deliver the
training from Smithton,” Mr White said.
“The training will be centred on two modules from the Certificate III in Disability
qualification, covering topics such as dignity and respect, behaviours of concern,
communication and sexuality and intimacy, through high resolution video resources.
“In addition, a live Q & A session will be held with a group of disability support workers
from the Wyndarra Community and Resource Centre in Smithton, who will share their
wealth of knowledge and experience in residential and community-based care, with up
to 14 OPTIA students in the South.
“As both Midway Point and Smithton are Stage 1 sites for the NBN roll-out, the speed
will be fast and should cope with the virtual classroom software as well as several High
Definition videos, created for this project.
“Making use of the stage 1 NBN sites around the State by means of a virtual classroom
will allow this type of simultaneous audio and video streaming, live questioning and
feedback, virtual blackboards, workplace simulations and linkups with industry experts.
“We believe this mobile NBN training model has the potential to showcase a new VET
training strategy across the Nation and improve the VET sector generally through
responsiveness and flexibility to address workforce development needs.”
The NBN project was funded by the National VET E-Learning Strategy 2012-2015 to
stimulate innovative approaches using the National Broadband Network to increase
participation in training and improve the skill levels of the Australian workforce.
The strategy provides incentives and support for VET providers to use the new NBN
system to improve and extend training opportunities, while furthering Australian
Government policy objectives for greater participation and enhanced workforce skills.
