CANBERRANS with disabilities are set to benefit from an additional $192 million in funding, as part of the federal government’s 0.5 per cent increase to the Medicare levy.

Around 5,000 Canberrans will receive support and have access funds needed to meet the costs associated with their disability, after National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding was given priority through extension of the Medicare Levy by the federal government.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says the ACT was the first to sign up as a launch site.

“It means that we have been able to negotiate the best outcome for the ACT and will deliver the support to those who need it sooner,” Ms Gallagher says.

ACT Minister for Disability Services Joy Burch says that the decision to implement a levy ensured certainty in funding arrangements “over the long term.”

“Through the NDIS the ACT and Commonwealth Governments will be supporting the needs of ACT residents and their carers and will improve the capacity of the community sector to deliver services under the scheme,” Ms Burch says.