Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Politics
Tess Ikonomou

Firm stance on disability funding talks with states

The minister responsible for the NDIS says he will "rip the Band-Aid off" in state negotiations. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

A minister warns he will "rip the Band-Aid off" to reform the nation's disability scheme in negotiating with the state and territories.

Legislation to change the scheme's governance was delayed after the coalition and Greens teamed up in June to hold another inquiry into the proposals.

The federal government is aiming to rein in expenditure as the scheme's cost continues to blow out.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten speaks at the National Press Club
Bill Shorten says people with disability are more important than any particular level of government. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said he hadn't secured the support of the states, who are yet to agree about the disability support they will need to provide.

"I will do just about everything to try and convince the states to like what we're doing, and I'll compromise," he said at the National Press Club on Tuesday.

"I'll ... walk a long way to try and bring them on board. But at the end of the day, people with disability are more important than any particular level of government. 

"So if we have to rip the Band-Aid off, we will."

Mr Shorten said the "fundamental fear" held by the states, that they would be "lumped" with extra claimants, wasn't right.

"Our legislation will ... decrease the cost curve, which is great. I think it'll tighten up things," he said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.