ADDITIONAL NEW DISABILITY SUPPORT PACKAGES

The Stanhope Government is to provide an additional $3.29 million over four years to enable more people with disabilities — who have high or very high needs — to live more independently.

The Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, John Hargreaves said these additional support packages would be provided through the 2005-06 Budget. 

“The Government has listened, responded and delivered for people with disabilities, their families and their carers,” Mr Hargreaves said. 

“Many of the people who will receive new support packages have previously been assessed by a Funding Panel as having high or very high needs, with some at risk of their family support breaking down. 

“The Funding Panel comprises two parents or carers, two non-government service providers, one representative of ACT Health and one representative from Disability ACT.

“The recipients include four people with Acquired Brain Injury between the ages of 20 and 40 who are living in aged care nursing homes.

“The remaining recipients require a range of community support to enable them to continue to live in their own homes or their family.

 “Support packages range from $7 000 to $125 000 for on-going accommodation or in home support and transitional support from school to vocational or day options programs. 

“This new funding will increase the total number of people receiving new support packages.  Overall, the total number of people in the ACT receiving funding for individual support packages is approx 160.  

“This is a substantial increase on the 99 people receiving packages up until 2002 and reflects the Stanhope Government’s commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers.”

Statement ends