Federal Government Budget

Thousands of people gathered across Australia yesterday to show their support for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, with rallies held in all capital cities.

While attending the Sydney rally, Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would start in Australia in July 2013, with up to 10,000 people with significant and permanent disabilities to receive support. By July 2014, that figure will rise to 20,000.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Labor Government would fund its share of the initial stage of the NDIS in the May Budget.

The Gillard Labor Government is delivering the NDIS a full year ahead of the timetable set out by the Productivity Commission.

Initial launch locations are yet to be determined, and consultation with States and Territories will soon take place.

A NDIS will give all Australians living with a significant disability the peace of mind to know their care and support needs will be addressed, no matter where they live or how they acquired their disability.

The Gillard Labor Government has announced Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women program grants of up to $5000 for individuals and $10,000 for organisations in a bid to assist women make their mark in sport.

The grants, opened today, will fund women to undertake leadership training in the areas of coaching, officiating, governance, administration and management, communications, media and marketing. Sport leadership pathway scholarships of up to $10,000 per annum for three years are also available. The grants will ensure women continue to make a valuable contribution to sport in Australia.  

Applications are now open and close on April 27, 2012. For more information or to apply visit here.