Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, last week welcomed Federal Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, the Hon Jane Prentice MP, to the Hinchinbrook electorate.

Mr Cripps said he was grateful to Assistant Minister Prentice for expressing an interest in coming to North Queensland to talk to local organisations and individuals connected with her portfolio.

“I was very pleased to have Jane here in the Hinchinbrook electorate – her responsibilities are key issues for the people and communities I represent in North Queensland” said Mr Cripps.

“We met with individuals and groups from Ingham, Townsville and Tully about a range of issues concerning support for people with disabilities, in particular the roll out of the NDIS” he said.

“With the roll out of the NDIS, Jane has been an extremely busy person over the last two years in her key role as Assistant Minister for Disability Services, so her time here is very important”.

“I’m hoping the feedback that the local community in the Hinchinbrook electorate can provide will help deliver better outcomes for people with disabilities, which is an issue that is important to me”.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, Jane Prentice, said the NDIS offered opportunities for businesses and employment, particularly in regional areas and communities.

“I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from a variety of people across Australia involved in the NDIS, whether as providers, participants or carers” said Assistant Minister Prentice.

“This scheme is immense and an important undertaking – it is all about transforming the lives of people with significant disabilities, as well as their families, carers and communities” she said.

Mr Cripps thanked Ingham Disability Support Services in Ingham and Independent Advocacy in the Tropics in Townsville, for hosting meetings with Assistant Minister Prentice and himself.