The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) originated as a fantastic Labor initiative, but the devil in this new roll out is in the detail.

It is now five years since the former Labor Government launched the NDIS and since then the scheme has changed peoples lives for the better across the country.

As we celebrate this milestone the challenges facing the rollout of the NDIS must be acknowledged. Many of these have arisen due to the previous Liberal State Government trying to go it alone with its WA NDIS My Way scheme.

From problems with planning, unanswered questions, frustrations with the IT system and difficulty accessing services there are many issues that need urgent rectification.

The Federal Liberal Government must lift the staffing cap on the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) so there are no more delays and fewer mistakes.

The new system is complex but when it works as it should, will provide huge benefits to the community. It will allow people with disabilities in our community to make their own decisions about their own lives and pathways.

NDIS will be rolling out across the City of Armadale from July to December 2018 and in the cities of Gosnells and Canning from July to December 2019.

It is important to remember that the staff at the NDIA only implement the rollout and function of the NDIS, they are not responsible for systemic and policy issues within the NDIS. I am happy to hear from people who confront such issues as part of the local NDIS rollout.

The transition from the WA NDIS began in April 2018 while people who have previously been receiving other State and Commonwealth disability supports began transitioning into the NDIS at the beginning of this month.

Labor is committed to advocating alongside people with disability, campaigners, families and carers to make the NDIS the best it can be.