A FRUSTRATED and worn out Rockingham woman is calling for transparency from the National Disability Insurance Agency call centre.
With the scheme changing from a State-based to a national system, confusion surrounds how it will affect those already receiving disability services and payments.
Mardi Johnston’s 43-year-old sister Rebecca Johnston was born with cerebral palsy.
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READ NOWThe changeover has meant having to re-prove her sister’s condition.
“It’s just frustrating and it is very confusing,” she said.
“People are losing funding and then having to re-prove their conditions.
“Also when you call no-one seems to know what the new system will be.
“It’s quite insulting and time-consuming to have re-explain Rebecca’s condition which is only getting worse as she gets older.
“It’s been really hard – I have already had to take on the role of caring for my ill father and I have three children of my own – I’m already losing my brain and struggling to find the time.”
Rebecca said she felt very vulnerable and frightened.
“I don’t get it – surely a photograph of me would instantly show my condition,” she said.
“I don’t want to lose my carer – I trust her and have built a good relationship with them over the years.”
Brand MP Madeleine King is hosting an information session next week.
“Western Australia joined the scheme late and the delay has served to exacerbate the concerns of people like Mardi Johnston,” she said.
“I am hopeful that the information session will answer the many questions people have raised with me.”
The information session will start at 10am on July 31, at the Gary Holland Centre, 19 Kent Street, Rockingham.
For more information contact Ms King’s Rockingham office on 9527 9377.