Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There would not be a National Disability Insurance Scheme without Bruce Bonyhady. There is no-one more committed, no-one more experienced, no-one more knowledgeable. Bruce Bonyhady's two amazing and disabled sons, Michael and Greg, introduced him to the world of people with disability and their carers. His love for his sons, his desire to improve their lives, introduced him to a side of Australia he might otherwise never have encountered. And Bruce introduced me as parliamentary secretary for disabilities to the second-class treatment dealt to Australians with disability—practically exiles in their own country.

Bruce brings great corporate, business and insurance funds management experience to the NDIS board, the very qualities the Liberals supposedly want. He has successfully overseen NDIS launch sites. It does not pass corporate governance 101 to change such a high-quality chair of the board of directors at such a critical juncture. The shabby way that this government is seeking to force a great Australian out of the door is nothing short of disgraceful. When was the last time you heard this government say something positive about the NDIS? It has been one long, nasty campaign of leaks and undermining. The Liberals know the cost of the NDIS, but they have never understood its value. Bruce Bonyhady, the carers of Australia and people with disability deserve so much better.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.