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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 [https://tfhc.nt.gov.au/social-inclusion-and-interpreting-services/office-of-disability/disability-strategy#:~:text=The%20Northern%20Territory%20(NT)%20Disability,to%20all%20Territorians%20with%20disability.]

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 on the Disability Reform Ministerial Council with National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister Bill Shorten and all State and Territory Disability Ministers. We have met six 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.

More information will be made available once the arrangements are finalised.

Accessibility improvements

My team and I are working on a range of initiatives to improve disability access throughout the Northern Territory, with a particular focus on more accessible tourism attractions, along with improving the travel experience with airlines and taxi services to ensure quality experiences for people with disability.

Need a companion to accompany you?

Did you know, if you have a disability and need a lifelong attendant care support to access the community, you may be eligible for a Northern Territory Companion Card?

The card allows your chosen companion or carer to go with you to participating entertainment, recreation venues and activities without paying for a ticket for your carer. The Companion Card Program currently operates in every state across Australia, so the card can be used when on holiday in other states.

Visit https://ntcompanioncard.org.au/ [https://ntcompanioncard.org.au/?fbclid=IwAR1CM4LvNuqFdc66WivAT0IZ4XKXnpG9gqYJn0g7fITDRqWet7TXdKbRLs4] to apply.

Specialist Disability Accommodation homes coming online

The Northern Territory Government is working with a variety of stakeholders to support some of our most vulnerable Territorians to live a more independent and fulfilled life.

Construction has commenced on Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) housing developments in Darwin after the Government provided four parcels of land to disability service providers. The land parcels, with a combined value of more than $1 million, have been transferred to Carpentaria Disability Services and Life Without Barriers for the construction of four SDA homes to accommodate up to 12 people living with disability, and support staff.

The houses are innovative, fully accessible and will create a home environment where residents can grow their independence while still receiving support.

These homes will add to the available options for people with complex disabilities to live as independently as possible, with Somerville Community Services' new homes in Palmerston demonstrating just what can be achieved in this space. It was a privilege to be at the opening of the first purpose-built Specialist Disability Accommodation in the Northern Territory in November when Somerville welcomed six Territorians to their brand new homes.

Somerville's fabulous new Specialist Disability Accommodation in Palmerston.

Fabian Bush "Bushy" showing me through his new home in Palmerston.

Paediatric equipment program

A new Paediatric Equipment Loan Program was launched in September by Carpentaria Disability Services.

The paediatric equipment loan service offers life-changing equipment for young people that may have otherwise been out of reach.

Allied Health professionals will be able to borrow assistive equipment for their client and family to try out before committing to purchasing any.

The library offers more than 70 specialist paediatric items that can be prescribed, and this collection is

sure to grow into the future. Some of the equipment has been made available in remote communities for families to trial.

If you or someone you know is in need of paediatric equipment or would like to donate paediatric equipment that is no longer needed, please contact Carpentaria.

Carpentaria's Paediatric equipment program store.

Northern Territorians on the National stage Congratulations Robyne Burridge

Passionate disability services advocate Robyne Burridge was named the Northern Territory's Senior Australian of the Year for 2022.

Congratulations, Robyne and thank you for representing the Territory so well.

Congratulations Callum Hooley

We celebrated a Northern Territorian being named the Blind Australian of the Year in October.

Cal Hooley is an incredible Territorian who contributes to his community through sports coaching and mentoring.

Congratulations Special Olympians

A team of legends represented the Northern Territory at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Tasmania and returned home with a swag of medals and ribbons. Congratulations to all who represented the Territory.

Please reach out to my team at any time at minister.ahkit@nt.gov.au. Share https://ntministers.createsend1.com/t/t-fb-fhlkjlt-l-o/ Tweet https://ntministers.createsend1.com/t/t-tw-fhlkjlt-l-b/ Share [https://ntministers.createsend1.com/t/t-li-fhlkjlt-l-k/] Forward https://ntministers.forwardtomyfriend.com/t-l-2AD73FFF-fhlkjlt-l-n Preferences https://ntministers.updatemyprofile.com/t-l-2AD73FFF-l-p | Unsubscribe https://ntministers.createsend1.com/t/t-u-fhlkjlt-l-x/