The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering certainty and security for Territorians living with disability.
It has committed $11.5 million in ongoing annual funding to support the Northern Territory's contribution to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The $11.5 million investment per year, from 2024-25, will address the budget shortfall in the NT's NDIS contribution caused by the cessation of the Australian Government's DisabilityCare Australia Fund payments.
This investment ensures the Territory's disability sector remains stable, and well-supported, as national NDIS reviews are underway.
In addition, the CLP Government is investing $120,000 per year from 2025-26 to ensure the continued availability of local, face-to-face Auslan interpreting services across the Territory through Deaf Connect.
This service is essential in supporting accessibility and inclusion opportunities for deaf and hard of hearing Territorians.
It provides critical access in high-priority situations, including hospital presentations, emergency warnings, and emergency press conferences, while also supporting broader communication and inclusion needs for deaf Territorians.
Minister for Disability Jinson Charls said the investment in the disability sector demonstrated the CLP Government's commitment to providing equal opportunities to Territorians with disabilities and their families.
"This ongoing investment ensures the continued delivery of vital services, provides stability to participants, and helps support more choice of providers across the Territory," said Mr Charls.
CEO of Deaf Connect, Brett Casey, said: "Deaf Connect has welcomed this announcement and the continued investment in equitable access for the Deaf community in the Northern Territory."
"This extension is a vital step toward inclusion - ensuring Deaf Territorians can access information and services in their first language, Auslan," said Mr Casey.
"Having a locally based interpreter has allowed for more responsive and culturally aware support. Community members have told us just how valuable it is to have someone on the ground who understands Territorians and the local Deaf community."
The Northern Territory Government currently funds about one-third of the total NDIS cost in the NT, contributing about $125 million each year.
Darwin will host the next Disability Reform Ministerial Council meeting between Commonwealth, State and Territory Disability Ministers in June this year.
"I invited the Ministerial Council to the Northern Territory to provide the opportunity to highlight the distinct challenges faced by Territorians and put remote and regional voice at the centre of discussion," said Mr Charls.
"I look forward to welcoming my colleagues from around the country to Darwin as I continue to advocate for Territorians living with a disability."
