The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has officially started in Queensland today, signalling the beginning of a new era in disability services and huge opportunity for new workers to join the sector.

“I am excited to welcome the start of the NDIS rollout in Queensland today, following the early launch of the scheme in Townsville, Charters Towers and Palm Island in January this year,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The scheme will almost double the number of Queenslanders accessing support and services to more than 90,000 people by the end of the three-year rollout in 2019.

"We have an NDIS because of a commitment made by the previous Federal Labor Government.

Minister O’Rourke said the increase in demand for disability services would generate unprecedented growth in the sector and the Queensland economy.

“The complete shift in the way services are being delivered will mean people with disability become a diverse and growing consumer group, opening up opportunities for everything from support workers to yoga instructors and tour guides.

“The NDIS is expected to create between 15,900 and 19,400 additional jobs for Queenslanders in the state’s disability sector alone. Many of these jobs will be in regional areas where unemployment rates are higher, including between 800 and 950 jobs in the broader Townsville and Mount Isa regions.

In Townsville today, Minister O’Rourke also launched the NDIS Workforce Action Plan for North Queensland, developed by the local WorkAbility Queensland network.

“It’s about people with disability, employers, training organisations, employment services, universities and government agencies coming together to respond to the challenge of a significant and rapid growth in jobs in the disability sector,” Mr Nelson said.

The areas of Townsville, Hinchinbrook, Burdekin, west to Mount Isa and up to the Gulf will be the first to access the NDIS as part of the full transition.

For information on the NDIS rollout visit www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

Media Contact:                 Minister O’Rourke’s office                           0408 317 992