The Australian Council of Social Service today praised Federal political leaders for ensuring that the crucial national disability insurance scheme comes to fruition through funding.

ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said, “Yesterday’s historic announcement by the Prime Minister of a modest levy to fund Disability Care Australia has the widespread support of the community. It was essential that we lock in a funding stream to support this scheme that is so important to ensuring that people with disability are supported to have social and economically contributing lives.

“Today’s announcement by the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, of his support for the levy is a further welcome sign of the Opposition’s ongoing commitment to the scheme. With the Greens and Independents already on the record, we can congratulate our Federal leaders on this non-partisan show of support for such a crucial reform.

“Increasing the Medicare Levy by this modest amount gets the funding ball rolling to secure the much needed scheme. It is pleasing to see that all sides of politics have gone beyond politics on such an important issue.

“We congratulate the Prime Minister for confirming that she will bring to Parliament the necessary legislation to make this happen. This is indeed a historic day in Australian politics and in the lives of people with disability,” Dr Goldie said.

Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0419 626 155