Queensland is taking its first step towards introducing a trial of self-directed funding for people with a disability, one of the hallmark features of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett said the Your Life Your Choice trial would start by the end of the year with a select cohort of people who are currently funded through Disability Services, as part of the Newman Government’s Six Month Action Plan.
“Your Life Your Choice will allow people with a disability to directly purchase their own specialist disability services, giving them greater choice, flexibility and control over the existing funding they currently receive from Disability Services,” Mr Bennett said.
“This is a landmark change in the way disability services are provided and it supports Queensland’s transition to the NDIS by 2018, which has consumer choice and control as one of its key elements.
“The trial keeps Queensland in step with other states as we prepare for the NDIS and will allow us to carefully finalise processes and structures to support the eventual state-wide implementation of self-directed funding.”
Mr Bennett has advised that Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis would write to more than 1,300 families across the state who currently receive funding through Disability Services, inviting them to participate in the trial to gain more choice and control over their funding.
“Participation in the trial will be voluntary,” Mr Bennett said.
“Many people have shared with me that they would like to have greater say over the way their funding is managed and the service providers they use.
“It may not be for everyone though, and people will be able to move along a spectrum of support depending on what level of self-management they’re comfortable with.”
A framework to guide the trial of Your Life Your Choice was released today and provides a base from which people will be able to design, develop and grow their personalised model of self-directed funding.
Amendments to the Disability Services Act 2006 will also be made to allow the Government to enter into funding agreements directly with a person with a disability or another person on their behalf. Currently, funding agreements can only be made with incorporated entities.
For more information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au