The Productivity Commission outlined a number of reasons for the establishment of a National Injury Insurance Scheme separate from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS funds disability support needs, not supports provided by other services e.g. hospital, medical, dental. The NDIS is funded through Australian, state and territory Governments from consolidated revenue and an increased Medicare levy. The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency and is subject to Commonwealth legislation.
NIISQ covers people who sustain catastrophic injuries from a motor vehicle accident. They have unique and complex needs and, as a result, the NIISQ will provide services over a person’s lifetime (not just to age 65 years). These injuries have very intensive needs in the first few years after injury and early intervention is important. NIISQ funds the continuum of health and disability services e.g. ambulance, acute medical care, rehabilitation, dental and pharmaceutical treatment.
