Travel access outcry over NDIS cab gap
THE State Government has reminded Tasmanians with disabilities they are not obliged to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme following an outcry over reduced access to travel subsidies as the program rolls out.
Transport Minister Rene Hidding said the State Government would continue to provide a taxi subsidy for those not covered by the national insurance scheme, but could not fund those who had switched to the NDIS.
“Nobody is obliged to become an NDIS participant. If a person doesn’t become a participant they can continue to receive taxi subsidies through the Tasmanian Government program,” Mr Hidding said.
Disability advocates are concerned Tasmanians who have been stripped of travel subsidies after joining the NDIS will struggle with access to support services.
Source: The Mercury