SYNOPSIS:The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a flagship economic as well as social policy reform of this generation. Like the Snowy Mountains Scheme and other great infrastructure projects it will take years to build. It is an exemplar of governments doing what people cannot do themselves and so is core government business. It is a social insurance scheme for all Australians and is expected to add 1% to Australia’s GDP. The interface between the Scheme and other universal systems like health and medical services will be critical to the Scheme’s success, while the Campaign for the Scheme ‘Every Australian Counts’ has lessons for everyone interested in improving public policy and creating a more civil society.

SPEAKER: Mr Bruce Bonyhady AM, is the Chair of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He has worked for over 25 years to improve the lives of people with disabilities. He is the father of three adult sons two of whom have disabilities and despite the significant challenges of raising two children with disabilities, Bruce continued his community commitments with Yooralla, Victoria’s largest disability support service provider. He became its Chairman in 2004 and was subsequently invited to Chair the Centre for Developmental Disability Research, later known as Solve. As past President of Philanthropy Australia, Bruce raised the profile and professionalism of the organisation, attracting influential members and promoting philanthropy in Australia.