SUBSTANTIAL BUDGET FUNDING FOR DISABILITY AND THERAPY SERVICES

The 2005-06 Budget further supports the ACT Government’s disability reforms through the provision of an extra $7.5 million over four years to assist people with disabilities, their families and carers.

The Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, John Hargreaves said the new money supplements the additional $11.1 million provided in the last Budget for disability services.  

This brings the total Budget for disability and therapy services in the Territory to approximately  $63 million a year.

Mr Hargreaves said the 2005-06 Budget would specifically provide over four years:

•	$3.3 million to enable people with disabilities who have high or very high needs to live more independently;

•	$1.7 million to develop a new service to assist families who have children with intensive support needs, particularly those with challenging behaviours such as autism; and

•	$1.7 million to greatly enhance community support options for young people with disabilities living in Canberra’s Northside.

Disability ACT, working closely with its partners in the community sector, will deliver these new initiatives.

Mr Hargreaves said the 2005-06 Budget would also provide  $831,000 over four years to enable the assessment and trial of specialised seating, mobility and communications equipment for children and young people with disabilities who have complex needs, including autism.  Therapy ACT will manage this initiative.

“The extra funding provided in the Budget will greatly assist people with very high support needs, particularly young people and their families,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The Stanhope Government is proud of its achievements in the disability sector.  

“There have been substantial changes in the way Disability ACT delivers its services, both behind the scenes, as well as in practical terms with its clients. 

“The Stanhope Government is committed to the on-going reform program, to improve the lives of people with disabilities, their families and carers.”  
Statement ends