$1.5 million boost to support ongoing disability reform in Queensland

by | Feb 18, 2012 | Media Releases

Disability Services Minister Curtis Pitt has announced $1.5 million in funding over the next two years to support ongoing reform within the disability sector.

Mr Pitt announced the funding a public forum in Cairns which brought together sector representatives to discuss the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“Last year the Queensland Government gave a commitment to national disability reform through an NDIS,” he said.

“Today’s event presents a great opportunity to generate ideas on what is needed under a NDIS by those with an intimate understanding of disability services and needs.

“It’s about giving people with a disability, carers, families and service providers a chance to have their say on the NDIS.”

Mr Pitt said Queensland continued to work alongside the Australian Government and other State and Territory Governments to progress foundations for reforms through an NDIS.

“Disability reform is also continuing in Queensland with the Queensland Government’s 10-year Absolutely everybody: enabling Queenslanders with a disability plan,” he said.

“Absolutely everybody outlines a range of strategies and actions to improve access and participation in all aspects of community life.

“This plan contains 10 priorities for action to help people access real opportunities in their communities and I am delighted at the progress that we have already made in implementing it.”

Mr Pitt said State Labor Governments have increased disabilities funding by 495 per cent since the Nationals/Liberals were last in power.

“This year we’re investing a record $1.77 billion in disability services and community care services,” he said.

“The Productivity Commission’s latest Report on Government Services released last month shows the number of Queenslanders accessing specialist disability services is increasing faster than in other States and Territories.

“This is an encouraging trend but we recognise that ongoing reform is needed to connect more Queenslanders with a disability to the services and supports they need.”