5 September 2024
People with Disability Australia (PWDA) acknowledges the decision announced today by the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Bill Shorten to retire from politics in February 2025.
PWDA recognises Minister Shorten has stood alongside our community in government and opposition listening and learning from people with disability. The Minister's contributions to the inception of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the establishment of the Disability Royal Commission are key parts of his political legacy and will long be remembered by our community.
"We have always welcomed the Minister's willingness to engage and collaborate with the disability sector and our community. We have not always agreed but appreciate that there have been many times that the Minister has shown that he values the lived expertise of people with disability. It is our sincere hope that this commitment to collaboration continues and deepens with any Ministerial appointment to this portfolio in future," PWDA President Marayke Jonkers said.
"PWDA acknowledges the Minister will be retaining the NDIS portfolio until his retirement. We will continue to engage with the Minister and any future Ministers appointed to advocate for the best possible outcomes for people with disability and NDIS participants,"
PWDA Acting CEO Megan Spindler-Smith said.