Labor needs a policy ‘circuit breaker’ now

· Maximise employment opportunities for the disabled, with comprehensive support services and any necessary equipment;

· Provide similar support to assist in providing education opportunities;

· "Provide funding for home modifications and specialised equipment and support to ensure people are able to live as independently as possible in their own homes;"

· Provide support for family and carers;

· Provide "early intervention and support" for children with disabilities.

In addition to this a NDIS needs to provide substantial new funds (several billions every year) via a Medicare Levy-like mechanism rather than just a restructuring of the funding mix.

New funds are necessary to increase Disability Support Pensions and Carers' Pensions, extend support services and provision of necessary home infrastructure. and bring more crucial medications under the umbrella of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Specifically as a consequence of a NDIS, carers and disability pensioners should also receive a rise in their pensions of at least $25/week, indexed on top of existing pension formulae.

A NDIS could also source additional funds for improvement of mental health services, an issue which is resonating strongly with the electorate.While a NDIS could disrupt the cycle of fearful speculation about a carbon tax, it would also comprise a landmark reform. A genuine record of achievement for Gillard Labor.

Finally, the government could move onto the front foot regarding the 'equal pay' campaign being driven by the Australian Services Union. It should provide effective pay parity for workers (mainly women) in the community services sector.

As it is mainly women who are employed in this sector, this issue has been raised as one of effective gender discrimination. But not-for-profit organisations providing aged care and other services (as well as in the public sector) will need support from the government in adapting to any improved regime of pay and conditions.

Hence for these, and other vital reforms, the government needs to aim during this term for a sustainable expansion of social expenditure in the vicinity of 1.5% of GDP, backed by progressive tax reform.

Generous superannuation concessions for the wealthy could also be wound back and replaced with progressive collective capital formation.

But until the carbon tax is implemented, with accompanying compensation and overcompensation, some degree of fearful speculation will continue. Labor needs to finalise its carbon tax package soon, in order to put fears to rest.

But speeding up implementation could also be crucial and Labor could do well to aim for the end of this year, rather than allowing damaging speculation to continue until mid-2012. Again, by then it could be 'too late.'