Premiers argue for changes to NDIS

WESTERN Australia and Queensland are at loggerheads with the commonwealth over the management and funding of the NDIS.

WESTERN Australia and Queensland are at loggerheads with the commonwealth over the management and funding of the national disability insurance scheme -- now rebadged DisabilityCare Australia -- with Colin Barnett arguing for more local control of the program.

Disability Reform Minister Jenny Macklin wrote to the states before today's Council of Australian Governments meeting urging them to "show they are serious about reform" with the commonwealth finalising a deal yesterday for a full state rollout in South Australia by 2018.

The deal is expected to support about 33,000 South Australians suffering from disabilities with funding contributions worked out based on the bargain struck with the NSW Liberal government in December.

But Julia Gillard still faces difficulties signing-up the conservative Queensland government of Campbell Newman, who said yesterday there was an "impasse" over funding for the NDIS, estimated to cost $15bn a year from 2018.

Mr Newman said the state had increased funding for disability services from $900 million to $1.9bn over the next five years, but had been told to fork out more.

"The commonwealth is saying we're $200m a year short," he said. "And there's the impasse at the moment. The commonwealth really again should be the ones putting more money in."

The West Australian Premier has argued for more local control. Mr Barnett wants the NDIS to build upon the state's "My Way" disability program, with support provided through a system of local area co-ordinators rather than through the launch agency proposed by the commonwealth.