Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The NDIS is about to start delivering much-needed early intervention services for about 2,000 children and young people in Western Sydney—from the start of next month. This is an agreement that was signed between the Abbott and the Baird governments, and it is the first step for the NDIS beyond the existing trial sites. Western Sydney, as colleagues know, has a high need when it comes to early intervention services for children with disability. I want to acknowledge the advocacy of the member for Macquarie, Louise Markus; the member for Lindsay, Fiona Scott; and a senator for Western Sydney, Senator Payne, who is also a very strong and passionate advocate. The government has invested $20 million this financial year to make this a possibility and preparations are well underway. Local area coordinators are already in place and are working with families.