National disability long-term care and support scheme
December 8, 2009
The Australian Government announced an inquiry into a national disability long-term care and support scheme on 23 November 2009. Carers Australia has been part of a growing voice calling for a scheme that assists people with a disability, their carers and families to have access to appropriate support and services regardless of where they live.
This page outlines
- the scope of the scheme
- how to make a submission
- terms of reference for the inquiry
- Carers Australia's reaction to the announcement
- the speech by the Hon Kevin Rudd, MP announcing the long-term care and support scheme inquiry.
Scope of the review
The Productivity Commission will undertake the inquiry to assess the costs, cost effectiveness, benefits and feasibility of an which:
- provides long-term essential care and support for eligible people with a severe or profound disability, on an entitlement basis and taking account the desired outcomes for each person over a lifetime;
- is intended to cover people with disability not acquired as part of the natural process of ageing;
- calculates and manages the costs of long-term care and support for people with severe and profound disability;
- replaces the existing system funding for the eligible population;
- ensures a range of support options is available, including individualised approaches;
- includes a coordinated package of care services which could include accommodation support, aids and equipment, respite, transport and a range of community participation and day programs available for a person's lifetime;
- assists the person with disability to make decisions about their support; and
- provides support for people to participate in employment where possible.
More information about the scope of the review is available in the terms of reference.
The Government will establish an Independent Panel of persons with relevant expertise to act in an advisory capacity to the Productivity Commission and the Government, and report to Government throughout the inquiry.
Making a submission to the inquiry
The Commission has invited the public to register their interest in a forthcoming inquiry into a long-term care and support scheme for people with a disability in Australia. The inquiry will begin in early 2010 and report by July 2011.
To register, go to the Productivity Commission website.
The Productivity Commission inquiry terms of reference
Carers Australia's response to the announcement of a national long-term care and support scheme
24 November Heading in the right direction
Speech by the Hon Kevin Rudd, MP Prime Minister of Australia announcing the inquiry
Speech by the Hon Kevin Rudd, MP
