Wyndham Disability Action Group Inc.    
PO Box 1569, Werribee Plaza Vic. 3030

Inc. No. A0033919F
26//07/10
National Disability Insurance Scheme

WYNDAG supports the concept of a national insurance scheme for the disabled, and argues that it is long overdue..

One of our committee members has the following view:
“We should ask for a minimum payment for permanent disability.
The payment should be at least equivalent to the average national wage. This should be adequate for the majority of people and be indexed to the CPI. Of course, there should be provision for further payment to those for instance, who need full time care or have other extraordinary requirements due to their disability (eg equipment or treatment).”
Payments need to be clearly understood and able to be benchmarked against payments to the general public.
 It should be noted and in fact the scheme should be underpinned by the knowledge that the cost of living for a disabled person is higher than for a similar person without a disability (not lower as the current benefits scheme work).   

WYNDAG also believes that the statement that the “inquiry is intended to cover people with a disability not acquired as part of the process of ageing.”  may prove difficult for some people.
 For example I had polio as a child and am currently coping well. However, as I am ageing my polio related problems are increasing – post polio syndrome. I could see at some time in the future a doctor who would say – “You are just getting old – these symptoms are the result of ageing”.
Many disabling conditions worsen as people get older.
The inquiry needs to consider and investigate this.

The scheme does not appear to place to sufficient emphasis on providing support for disabled persons to participate in employment. WYNDAG believes that disabled persons finding employment is essential in breaking the chains of dependency.

WYNDAG agrees that a National Disability Insurance Scheme is required and that the Productivity Commission Review must hear and note the views of as many disabled individuals and disability groups as possible. It must ensure that no one group or organisation controls or “hijacks the process.

Wayne Slattery
Secretary WYNDAG