Today, the Prime Minister has announced that I will take on the role of Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme following the retirement of the Hon Bill Shorten MP.
There are 5.5 million Australians with disability and our Albanese Labor Government is committed to an inclusive Australia where all people with disability can thrive and reach their goals as equal members of the community.
As Minister for Social Services I have worked in close partnership with Minister Shorten across the disability sector over the past two and a half years and I have immense admiration for his achievements.
Minister Shorten has been a passionate and tireless advocate for people with disability - and leaves big shoes to fill.
He has overseen significant reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and has been a champion for the Labor-introduced scheme from its inception. Under his leadership we have seen people with disability put back at the centre of the NDIS.
I'd like to acknowledge Minister Shorten for his invaluable contribution to our nation and to the lives of people with disability across our country.
In two and half years our Government has made considerable achievements for people with disability, including:
- Reforming the Disability Employment Services program so people with disability are at the centre and receive a quality service;
- Responding to the Disability Royal Commission and beginning the important work of implementing key reforms;
- Launching the National Autism Strategy;
- Starting the work of designing Foundational Supports; and
- Putting the NDIS on a sustainable footing and cracking down on fraud.
The NDIS is critical for our nation and I am honoured to continue the important work of its reform.
I also congratulate the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP who will be working alongside me in the disability portfolio and I look forward to the work we will achieve together.
