National Disability Agreement

The National Disability Agreement made by the Council of Australian Government (COAG) is the management structure used to organise government support for people with a disability. The National Disability Agreement came into effect on 1 January, 2009.

This agreement between the Australian Government and each state and territory government involves a Commonwealth commitment of $5.3 billion for disability services over the next five years. This represents an increase of $408 million over this time.

Under the Agreement, the Commonwealth will be responsible for income support and employment services for people with a disability and states and territories will provide disability support services. All levels of government will be responsible for national policy reforms, provision of data and improvements of outcomes for indigenous Australians.

It has been agreed that initial national efforts will concentrate on the following priority areas. They are:

Better Measurement of Need – A national model to estimate demand for services will be developed by mid 2010.

Population Benchmarking for Disability Services – A national framework will be developed by mid 2010 which will enable better evidence to be available to assist in policy, service and planning decisions.

Making Older Carers a Priority

Quality Improvement Systems based on Disability Standards A national Quality Framework and Quality Assurance system will be developed by mid 2010

Service Planning and Strategies to Simplify Access – A national framework will be developed which focuses on providing a person centered approach to service delivery and simplified access.

Early Intervention and Prevention, Lifelong Planning and Increasing Independence and Social Participation Strategies – A framework will be developed by mid 2011 to ensure clients receive more appropriate and timely support

Increased Workforce Capacity - A national workforce strategy will be developed by the end of 2010 addressing issues relevant to employment and establishing the disability sector as an “industry of choice.

Increased Access for Indigenous Australians – A national framework will be developed to ensure appropriate service delivery to ensure the needs of Indigenous Australians are addressed.

Access to Aids and Equipment – By the end of 2012 there will be more consistent access.

Improved Access to Disability Care – system by end of 2011that increases access and appropriate referral to the most appropriate services and supports. Consideration will be given to single access point and national consistent assessment processes.

A copy of the National Disability Agreement can be viewed at www.coag.gov.au

For more information contact FaHCSIA by email nationaldisabilityagreement@ fahcsia.gov.au or phone 1800 008 612.