Disability support organisation Spinal Life Australia has welcomed today’s State Government extension of the Taxi Subsidy scheme for NDIS participants for another 12 months.
Queensland Treasurer Jackie Trad announced an additional $6 million will be committed to continue the subsidy payment to 2020, after it was initially due to end for NDIS participants from June 30, 2019.
The Taxi Subsidy Scheme provides a subsidy of half the taxi fare for Queenslanders with a disability, up to a maximum subsidy of $25.
After campaigning for months to extend the scheme, including an online state petition that received nearly 6,000 signatures, Spinal Life’s Chief Advisor – Government John Mayo said the scheme extension would continue to help Queenslanders with a disability access their community.
“This decision will improve the lives of approximately 10,600 NDIS participants in the State,” Mr Mayo said.
“Being able to access affordable transport is vital for community participation and access and discussions with our members have shown that NDIS funding for transport can often be inconsistent or insufficient.
“By extending the scheme for another 12 months, we can ensure some our most vulnerable residents will not be left out of pocket for day-to-day transport costs, especially in areas where accessible trains and buses are not easy to come by.”
Mr Mayo said the extension was still a temporary solution and Spinal Life would continue to advocate to the State and Federal Government to ensure NDIS participants can rely on access to affordable transport in the future.
An online petition launched by Spinal Life was recently tabled in Queensland Parliament in the lead up to Ms Trad’s announcement.
Before today’s announcement, Queensland would have been the only state to end the scheme for NDIS participants from June 30.
Click here to read the State Government’s announcement.