Budget to start national disability scheme

Substantial start-up funds will be set aside in the upcoming budget for the national disability insurance scheme.

The Weekend Australian reports funding for the $15 billion program will begin to be rolled out even though the federal government is insistent on returning the budget to surplus in 2012/13.

While the scheme is not due to be fully operational until 2018, Treasurer Wayne Swan has hinted that existing programs will be reduced or axed to find savings in the face of shrinking revenue.

Initial funding in the May budget will enable the creation of a National Disability Insurance Agency to administer the scheme.

Legislation is expected to be introduced into parliament later this year.

The idea of a disability insurance scheme was initially pushed by cabinet minister Bill Shorten when he was parliamentary secretary for disabilities in the Rudd government.

Families Minister Jenny Macklin has championed the idea for almost four years.

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