Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme - Terms of Reference

The following is an excerpt of an article published by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs:

The Australian Government is committed to developing a National Disability Strategy to enhance the quality of life and increase economic and social participation for people with disability and their carers.

The Commonwealth, along with the States and Territories, has a major investment in disability specific support. However, there remains a significant level of unmet demand for disability services which impacts upon the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. Demographic change and the anticipated decline in the availability of informal care are expected to place further pressure on the existing system over the coming decades.

While Australia’s social security and universal health care systems provide an entitlement to services based on need, there is currently no equivalent entitlement to disability care and support services.

The Government is committed to finding the best solutions to improve care and support services for people with disability. An exploration of alternative approaches to funding and delivering disability services with a focus on early intervention and long‑term care will be an important contribution to the National Disability Strategy.

The full article, with details of the scope of the review, can be found here.