Northern Territory Reaches NDIS Full Scheme Agreement

CANBERRA, Australia, April 4 -- The Australian Department of Social Services' Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, issued the following news release:

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher today announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) full scheme agreement for the Northern Territory (NT) - a significant milestone for the rollout of the NDIS across Australia.

Minister Fletcher said the Commonwealth and NT governments have locked in the long-term funding and governance arrangements for the scheme in the territory.

"This agreement ensures the NDIS's stability in the NT, enabling the continued growth of the NDIS market," Mr Fletcher said.

"The NT is the fifth state or territory to reach a full scheme agreement for the NDIS, following New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.

"The NT Government has committed to make fixed, upfront funding contributions each year, with the Commonwealth paying the balance of Scheme costs in the NT.

"The agreement also enables the NT to access $94.2 million of DisabilityCare Australia Fund payments between 2018-19 and 2023-24, further securing the sustainability of the Scheme," Minister Fletcher said.

NT Chief Minister, Michael Gunner welcomed the full scheme agreement, which builds on the NT Government's commitment to supporting people with disability.

"The NDIS is providing life-changing support to more than 2,100 people with disability in the Territory, with over 390 people receiving government funded support for the first time.

"The NDIS has grown rapidly in the Territory over recent months, with around 500 people joining the NDIS and accessing life-changing services since 1 October 2018.

"It is also strengthening the Territory's economy, creating jobs in the NT's disability sector," the NT Chief Minister said.

NT Minister for Disabilities, Natasha Fyles said the NDIS gives people with disability, in some of Australia's most remote areas, choice and control over their own support.

"The NDIS gives people with disability the opportunity to identify their goals and support needs, to help them to live an independent life and participate in their community," Minister Fyles said.

The NT full scheme agreement will take effect from 1 July 2019, after the NDIS became fully available in the NT on 31 December 2018.