Coffs  Coast  Regional  Disability  Committee
(Merged Mid North Coast Area Disability Committee and Local Disability Advisory Committee)

Locked Bag 155	Telephone:  (02) 6648 4041
COFFS HARBOUR  NSW  2450

9th August 2010

Ms Roberta Bausch
disability-support@pc.gov.au

Productivity Commission

I am writing on behalf of the Coffs Coast Regional Disability Committee (CCRDC) in response to the National Inquiry into Long Term Care and Support.  Enclosed is a paper describing the role and functions of CCRDC which are currently under review.

CCRDC requested a consultation in Coffs Harbour to participate in the inquiry but this was not granted.  However, at its last three meetings discussion has focussed on the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.

CCRDC would make the following comments –

1.	It strongly endorses the Summary of Recommendations made in the draft submission of the 	Australian Federation of Disability Organisations. (AFDO)

2.	On the topics inviting comment by the Productivity Commission :-
	a)	the new scheme should be needs-based and not designed as a crisis or 				medical model.  It should be seamless allowing continuity and transparency and 			provide support to people with a disability regardless of age and whether occurring 		at birth or acquired.  It should allow for adjustments to accord with 	changing 			circumstances/living conditions.
	b)	It should be funded by a levy on all taxes.  Consideration might be given to 			absorbing other forms of disability insurance (e.g. CTP; Motor Accident, Workers 			Compensation) into a single disability scheme.
	c)	It should provide physical and emotional  support to carers and families throughout  		lifetime	
	d)	An appropriate assessment tool will be necessary to determine eligibility.  This 			should be devised and processed with the involvement of people with a disability.  		The focus of assessment should appropriately be in a measure of the ability 			of an individual to function normally.
	e)	It should provide the individual with the choice of self management of funding or 			service delivery – or a combination.  This acknowledges that many disabled people 		would wish to self manage.  It is appreciated too that some individuals are unable to 		negotiate on their own behalf.
	f)	Emphasis should be placed on ensuring the scheme is person-centred and not 			carer/service centred.  It should be seen to be maintaining the independence and 		dignity of individuals.
	g)	Most importantly, in service delivery and workforce impacts any undue centralisation 		of the scheme should be avoided.  Services 	should be easily understood, delivered 		and case-managed locally.  This may require the absorption of existing services and 		systems into a single scheme.

CCRDC would of course be pleased to be involved in further discussions on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

S.J. ROOTH
Chairperson
Coffs Coast Regional Disability Committee