Firm stance on disability funding talks with states

The minister responsible for the NDIS says he will "rip the Band-Aid off" in state negotiations. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

A minister warns he will “rip the Band-Aid off” to reform the nation's disability scheme in negotiating with the state and territories.

Legislation to change the scheme's governance was delayed after the coalition and Greens teamed up in June to hold another inquiry into the proposals.

The federal government is aiming to rein in expenditure as the scheme's cost continues to blow out.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten speaks at the National Press Club
Bill Shorten says people with disability are more important than any particular level of government.

NDIS Minister Bill Shorten said he hadn't secured the support of the states, who are yet to agree about the disability support they will need to provide.

"I will do just about everything to try and convince the states to like what we're doing, and I'll compromise," he said at the National Press Club on Tuesday.

"I'll ... walk a long way to try and bring them on board. But at the end of the day, people with disability are more important than any particular level of government. 

"So if we have to rip the Band-Aid off, we will."

Mr Shorten said the "fundamental fear" held by the states, that they would be "lumped" with extra claimants, wasn't right.

"Our legislation will ... decrease the cost curve, which is great. I think it'll tighten up things," he said.

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