ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch today announced the membership of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Expert Panel, which will guide the launch of the landmark disability funding program in the ACT.

Ms Burch said the Expert Panel included representatives from the community sector, and will be co-chaired by disability advocate Sue Salthouse and Community Services Director General Natalie Howson.

lt will provide oversight and will represent the interests of people with disability, families and carers, as well as disability service providers in the ACT."

"The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) marks an historic change to how governments and service providers work with people with a disability, their families and carers," Ms Burch said.

"As we work with the Australian Government and our state counterparts, it will be important to seek advice from people with disability, their families and the service providers."

Ms Burch said having a launch site in the ACT is an exciting opportunity for us to influence the design of the full scheme and ensure early take up of this important reform.

The Panel comprises a further nine members, including representatives from those who will be most affected by the changes; people with disability, families and carers.

"I am confident the Expert Panel will inform the way we will work together on this most significant national reform of our generation and focus on the benefits it will bring to people with disability, their families and careers."

The ACT Government is in discussions with the Commonwealth about the detail of the NDIS launch in the ACT. For more information on the NDIS in the ACT visit www.act.gov.au/NDIS.