NDIS money grab for drought relief 'frightening', say people living with disabilities

Melissa Leaver says she
 is worried about the future
 of NDIS funding for her
 son, Luca, who is living
with autism.

Australians living with disabilities have expressed fear and concern at Prime Minister Scott Morrison's plan to "repurpose" billions of dollars meant for the NDIS to pay for drought relief.

The re-channelling of the $3.9 billion of NDIS funding was revealed when Mr Morrison announced a $5 billion Drought Future Fund at a summit this week, aimed at trying to drought-proof the farming sector.

Large parts of eastern Australia, including Victoria, are battling through extended dry periods as summer looms.

Disability advocates say the disappearance of the $3.9 billion is a blow to the sector’s confidence in the effectiveness of the scheme into the future.

Read the story from The Age by Anthony Colangelo - “NDIS money grab for drought relief 'frightening', say people living with disabilities.”

NDIS funds to be 'repurposed' for drought relief under Morrison plan

Disability advocates have slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's decision to "repurpose" $3.9 billion originally set aside for the NDIS to pay for drought relief, but the plan has been cautiously welcomed by farmers.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime
 Minister Michael McCormack on Friday. CREDIT:

Mr Morrison unveiled his $5 billion Drought Future Fund at a summit attended by farmers, economists, industry bodies and state and federal ministers in Canberra on Friday, promising measures to drought-proof the nation's agriculture sector.

The first $3.9 billion of the scheme, which would operate similarly to the Medical Future Fund, is to be paid for out of a pool of money originally intended for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Read the story from The Age by Dana McCauley - “NDIS funds to be 'repurposed' for drought relief under Morrison plan.”