In response to commentary made in The Saturday Paper on 12 October 2019, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to correct the public record. The article is inaccurate and the reporting may cause distress to people with disability and their families.
Figures quoted in the article of 500 children removed from families over five years does not align with any data known to (or held by) the NDIA. Without knowing the source, the figure used would appear to be unsubstantiated/unverified.
The NDIA would like to reassure the community that we remain absolutely committed to supporting people with disability and their families, including families with children and young people who are unable to live in the family home because of their complex disability support needs.
In June 2019, the Commonwealth and State/Territory governments agreed to clarify roles and responsibilities relating to children and young people who are unable to live in the family home because of their complex disability support needs.
Memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have now been agreed and are focused on providing national consistency in achieving the best outcome for the child or young person.
The NDIA has always provided appropriately funded plans for people with disability, including for eligible families with children and young people who are unable to live in the family home because of their complex disability support needs. Prior to the MOUs being signed, the NDIA has worked with states and territory counterparts to tailor a solution in each individual circumstance.