What will a National Disability Insurance Scheme do for primary carers?

Are these 'words of hope' for people with disabilities? We are yet to hear from any of the states and territories about how they will deal with the proposal that they will hand-over all their disability funding cash to the Gillard Government. The savvy 'Business Spectator' clearly has a view about the states reaction in their article 'Gillard mulls $5billion disability levy' (16 Feb, 2011). They remark that "The disability proposal does, however, have backing. Premiers from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania - along with many union leaders, have all come out in favour of the idea so long as it comes with a viable business plan for sustainable funding, according to the AFR."

Recognition by the Prime Minister that "there is more the nation needs to do" is hardly hopeful to long suffering carers across Australia. If the Prime Minister of our government, whose referral to the inquiry has led to the Productivity Commissions forthright and unequivocal statements for reform cannot be more committed than this, what hope is there to be held and for how long!

It leads me to ask just how will the Australian population react to this new impost upon their tax dollar. Some of the responses to the Business Spectator article alluded above are illuminating:

"Another tax/levy proposal from Labor? Quelle surprise! (See Gillard mulls $5 billion disability levy: report, February 16.) I'm shocked, shocked that tax increases are happening here!" and; "Will those holding private (insurance) cover be able to claim an exemption or rebate for this proposed levy? If not, they will simply be paying extra to provide cover to those too indolent to seek private cover. Sure, there may be scope for a safety net for those unable to qualify for private cover. As for the rest, I think they should choose to buy private cover or deal with the consequences.

It's clear that many unthinking Australian's fail to grasp the enormity of the need for this proposed new disability funding system. The notion of a 'new' levy follows hot on the heels of a flood levy and a carbon tax. Hope begins to waver when I read such comments from Australians who clearly do not have to face the day to day struggle of caring full time without pay and without help.

I have cared for my profoundly disabled deaf, blind and totally dependent daughter for more than 42 years in my own home! I save taxpayers some $200,000 a year on funded around the clock out of home care. More than 2.6 million of us collectively save over $42 billion annually via our free service.

Carers are exhausted, stressed and ill from lack of funded support. If we all give up, the taxpayer bill will be horrendous. Is it fair that health is protected by a levy that everyone pays for - but disability care and support is not?

My daughter was affected by the Rubella Virus; there but for the grace of God goes any one of you. Accident at birth, life or illness may visit upon any one of you. A national insurance scheme is the only fair just and reasonable solution to a problem affected one in every five Australians.

Over 75% of current family carers are women, but they are no longer a free resource because of the uptake of women in the paid workforce. Who will care for younger generations if we don't all pay with current taxes or an insurance levy?

This crisis has been building for decades with year long wait lists for even the smallest level of support. No politician or clear thinking person would be foolish enough to again say no to this plan. The dire consequence of families abandoning their current support for more than 90% of our dependently disabled persons is too horrendous to contemplate.

There is nothing surer than death and taxes. How Australians support and care of our most vulnerable children and adult citizens is a measure of our collective social awareness. Australians are a caring people, please make sure you care about the least of our Australian citizens and give real hope back to families carrying the burden of care almost alone today!