An update from the Minister for Disabilities, Ngaree Ah Kit
At the launch of the Northern Territory Disability Strategy 2022-2032 with Hon Mark Monaghan, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Disability Advisory Committee Chair, Chris Blackham-Davison, Down Syndrome Association Executive Officer, Rachel Kroes and some of the evening’s performers.
New Northern Territory Minister for Disabilities
I was thrilled to be announced the new Minister for Disabilities when our new Territory Labor Government Cabinet was sworn-in in May 2022 under new Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles.
There were some momentous moments for the disability sector in 2022, the highlight of which was the launch of the Northern Territory’s first 10 year Disability Strategy and associated three year action plan in August.
It was a proud moment to present this plan to communities right across the Territory and demonstrate our determination to build an inclusive society where people with disability can live their best life.
This year is a year that I know will see more great progress to ensure more people with disability are able to participate fully in their communities, in workplaces and in recreational activities.
Disability Strategy Roadshow
Our roadshow for the Disability Strategy saw the launch in Darwin, and events in Katherine (above), Alice Springs (right), Tennant Creek (far right) and Nhulunbuy.
The strategy outlines how our Government will protect and respect rights and
choices, remove participation and inclusion barriers, increase accessibility, and provide opportunities and support for people living with disability.
You can read the 10 year Disability Strategy and find the specific actions that will be taken under the first three year Action Plan at the link provided below:
https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/social-inclusion-and-interpreting-services/office-of-disability/disability-strategy here
Northern Territory Disability Inclusion Awards
Presenting Alishia Lindsay the 2022 Overall Award for Excellence with Chief Executive Officer of Territory Families, Housing and Communities, Ken Davies PSM.
It was a privilege to host the Northern Territory Disability Inclusion Awards ceremony at Parliament House in November to recognise the outstanding people and organisations that support people with disability right throughout the Territory. I congratulate and thank every single nominee for their passion and dedication to ensuring people with disability are valued, respected and can contribute to their communities.
Huge congratulations to Alishia Lindsay on being announced the winner of the 2022 Overall Award for Excellence for her work advocating for people with disability. Alishia, a Health Ambassador for Down Syndrome Australia, was also the winner of the Excellence in Rights Promotion award. Combat Therapy Centre, Carpentaria’s Paediatric Equipment Program, AFL Northern Territory and Chelsea Moyd-Monagle were the recipients of the other category awards and I offer my congratulations to all of them.
Sincere thanks to National Disability Services for managing the awards and to all the valued sponsors for your outstanding support.
With the team from Combat Therapy Centre
AFL Northern Territory presentation
Carpentaria Paediatric Equipment Program award presentation
Recognising Chelsea Moyd-Monagle
NDIS reform
I have passionately represented the Northern Territory’s interests at the Disability Reform Ministers’ Meetings with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Bill Shorten and all State and Territory Disability Ministers. We have met five times since June 2022.
Key focus of the meetings:
NDIS Review: All Ministers agreed to a 12 month review of the NDIS, bringing forward any early findings for areas of known issues with solutions that can be an early priority of the review.NDIS Fraud: Establishing a Fraud Fusion Taskforce to tackle those taking advantage and rorting the system.Hospital discharges: Getting long stay NDIS participants out of hospitals into more suitable accommodation.Reducing NDIS Appeals: Addressing the need to improve and resolve matters quickly and clearing the legacy caseload of matters before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.NDIS Markets: Addressing barriers to NDIS access and service delivery especially in remote and very remote communities, and exploring more flexible approaches to service delivery.Supported employment roundtable: All states and Territories have agreed to guiding principles to evolve the supported employment sector, so it remains viable and better meets community expectations.
With State, Territory and Federal Disability Ministers Hon Craig Crawford MP (QLD), Emma Davidson MLA (ACT), Hon Lizzie Blandthorn MP (Vic), Hon Jo Palmer MLC (Tas), Hon Bill Shorten MP (Cth) and NDIA Board Chair Kurt Fearnley AO.
Working closely with the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Hon Bill Shorten MP.
Building a stronger workforce: Ways to address workforce shortages and developing a comprehensive workforce strategy including ensuring appropriate supports are provided for participants with complex needs.Home and Living Supports: Addressing concerns from community on ways to speed up approval processes for home modifications in relation to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) and Supported Independent Living (SIL).Appointing a new National Disability Insurance Agency CEO, Chair and board members, many of whom live with disability.
I’m committed to ensuring that the needs of Territorians and especially those living in remote and very remote communities across the Territory are front and centre of the NDIS review that is underway.
We need local place-based solutions to ensure Territorians get access to the services they need and have choice and control over their NDIS package no matter where they live.
Co-Chairs of the recently announced NDIS Review, Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM and Ms Lisa Paul AO PSM will visit the Territory as part of a roadshow for the NDIS review in the coming months.
