No. 38

$15.8 MILLION INJECTION FOR DISABILITY SERVICES

The ACT Government will provide an additional $15.8 million dollars over four years to provide further assistance for Canberrans with disabilities.

Minister for Disability and Community Services Katy Gallagher said this investment by the Stanhope Government is the most significant funding increase for people with disabilities since self-government.

“Over the past five years the ACT Government has contributed 25 per cent more in disability funding than required under the Commonwealth State Territories Disability Agreement,” Ms Gallagher said.

“With the additional funding announced in this Budget, the ACT Government continues its strong record of supporting people with a disability and disability services in the ACT.

“The new funding will enable people with disabilities to access much needed accommodation and increased carer support, access to respite and improved community access programs.

“The funding will be allocated through a combination of individual support packages, as well as directly to community agencies to assist them to meet the needs of people with a disability.  It is essential that we continue to build the capacity of our funded community agencies to enable them to respond to the increasing demand for their services.

“The funding will also respond to the priority needs of young people leaving school at the end of 2007, who will be seeking places with local community access and respite services.” 

Ms Gallagher again called on the Howard Government to provide a real increase in its funding contribution for more and better disability services in the ACT.

“The ACT Labor Government has more than met its responsibilities to meet the increasing demand for disability support.  It is now time for the Howard Government to match us,” Ms. Gallagher said.