**NEWS ALERT** A FAIR GO FOR ALL Ongoing funding of DisabilityCare is a vital to its success.

. Today Prime Minister Gillard has announced that a 0.5% increase to the Medicare levy will contribute to the funding of DisabilityCare Australia, the national disability insurance scheme. Stephanie Gotlib, Executive Officer of Children with Disability Australia (CDA) attended todays announcement and said: Securing ongoing funding for this vital scheme is imperative and I welcome the Prime Ministers announcement. This measure allows all Australians to make a small contribution to the long-term benefit of those living with disability in our community. This measure secures the NDIS for the long-term. As Australians, we pride ourselves on being a country that gives a fair-go to all. With the funding and introduction of DisabilityCare, we can demonstrate this. This measure is an investment in Australias future and not a drain on resources. Australian Productivity Commission found in its 2011 report that: The benefits of the scheme would significantly outweigh the costs. As the peak national body for children and young people with disability, CDA is inundated with reports from its members of discrimination, inadequate or lacking resources, limited input by allied health professionals and low levels of support as the primary areas of concern. Members want security of support for life which will enable children and young people with disability to become fully participating members in our community. Ms Gotlib said: It is simply unacceptable that these experiences should be common place for our children young people with disability. A national disability insurance scheme is absolutely critical for Australias future. Media Contact Sara Irvine 0402 982 002 sara@sazcom.com.au