THE HON DAN TEHAN MP

Minister for Social Services

THE HON JANE PRENTICE MP

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services

MEDIA RELEASE
6 July 2018

Referral service for people with disability in NSW

People with disability in New South Wales will be able to make better and more informed
decisions with information provided with the help of a $3.1 million grant.

The Turnbull Government will fund Information on Disability, Education, Awareness Services
(IDEAS) to provide a range of services, including face-to-face, phone, written, digital and
hardcopy publications, SMS, and peer-to-peer programs to people with disability in NSW.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the project would collate independently sourced
information to help people with disability to make informed decisions.

“The IDEAS project addresses barriers to information about the available mainstream
supports in the community for people with disability, their families and carers,” Mr Tehan
said.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services Jane Prentice said the NDIS is
making the community more accessible and inclusive of everyone with disability, through
projects such as this.

“IDEAS aims to reach up to 30 per cent of people with disability in NSW. It is one of 209
projects funded across Australia to help build inclusive communities,” Mrs Prentice said.

IDEAS Chief Executive Officer Diana Palmer said the grant reflected the importance of
making multiple communication platforms available, so people can engage how and when
they need to.

“IDEAS is excited to extend our highly valued service to reach more people with disability
seeking independent information, advice and referral services,” Ms Palmer said.

ENDS
Media contact:
Tehan: Lauren Fitzpatrick 02 6277 7560 | minister.media@dss.gov.au
Prentice: Michael Dobbie 0436 673 326

The Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Social Services, Hamilton, Victoria