State-wide NDIS rollout dates announced October 2015 (PDF version)
On 16 September 2015, NSW Premier Mike Baird and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull signed the bilateral agreement for the NDIS in NSW. As a result, the following dates have been confirmed for the remainder of the NDIS rollouts across the state:
1 July 2016
- The remaining populations of Hunter New England and Nepean-Blue Mountains
- Central Coast
- Northern Sydney
- South Western Sydney
- Southern New South Wales
- Western Sydney
1 July 2017
- Illawarra Shoalhaven
- Mid North Coast
- Murrumbidgee
- Northern NSW
- South Eastern Sydney
- Sydney
- Western NSW
- Far West NSW
The PSA supports the NDIS itself, and better funding for people with disability. We do not support the NSW Government’s decision to transfer our publicly provided disability services to the private sector. We believe the availability, quality and affordability of services will suffer without a strong public sector presence.
You can read full details on why we say “NO” to the privatisation of ADHC HERE
More recently, you would have received an update from the FACS Secretary, Michael Coutts-Trotter regarding transitional timeframes. We were particularly concerned by one statement earlier this month, where the Secretary informed ADHC staff via email, “Don’t confuse the transfer with the roll out of the NDIS”. This message is clearly at odds with the explanation the NSW Government has relied on to argue for the transfer of disability services. Put simply, if the transfer of disability services is not part of the NDIS, then it is simply privatisation for privatisation’s sake.
While the above dates provide information on when the NDIS will be available to eligible clients, there is still no word on the timeframe for the privatisation of ADHC services. The PSA has attempted to negotiate a fair transfer package for staff that protects your employment interests and matches the transfer arrangements offered to NSW public sector workers in previous privatisation programs. However, the Government has so far refused to negotiate an agreement with the unions.
We need your help to put pressure on the Government to negotiate in good faith. In this regard, members are reminded of the work bans currently in place and the importance of implementing the bans. You can view the full list of regional and state-wide bans that are currently in place HERE.
There is strength in unity, and we look forward to your support.