Disability
Labor is committed to helping people with disabilities enjoy full quality of life, by making it practical for them to participate in the community or in paid employment, and by supporting the work of carers.
FAQ
- What is Labor doing for Australians with disabilities?
Since the election of the Rudd Labor Government, the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement is being renegotiated. The Howard Government had refused any growth funding to meet growing demand; however Labor’s collaborative approach will result in an injection of $1.9 billion in funding across Australia for people with a disability.
This funding has included targeted funding for non-government groups who work closely with disabled people and their carers; for instance, the Spastic Centre has recently received $220,000 with which to buy equipment such as hoists, powered beds, manual and powered wheelchairs, and advanced communication systems.
- How will Labor’s plan help Australians with disabilities?
Labor’s plan for disabilities involves working with community organisations to directly help disabled people, ensuring that help is available for those who need it. The Count Me In programme for high-needs community assistance was able to help 1,990 people get involved in paid work or in the community in 2007, with continuing funding of $235 million over five years.
In the health system, in 2006/2007, 600 new therapy places were created to assist disabled people with chronic health problems, and 877 new respite care places were created to help carers.
Labor supports programs which address the particular needs of people with disabilities and, in particular, those which encourage skill development. A renegotiated CSTDA will address the needs of disabled people and carers, in conjunction with employers, trade unions, and community advocacy organisations.
- What has Labor achieved for disability services?
In 2006 the NSW Government launched Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006-2016, a ten year plan for disability services, which contains more than a billion dollars worth of funding over five years.
This package contains continuing increases in intensive, innovative and flexible support packages for children and young people and their families at $31 million over five years. By the fifth year there will be an additional 1,800 places a year.
These measures will make a real difference to the lives of people with a disability, and to their families and carers, in NSW. Improvements to accountability and increased capacity will provide more and clearer ‘entry’ points; ensuring that people already receiving assistance receive more and better care, and that fewer people fall through the cracks.
- How can I be involved?
The NSW Department of Community Services operates the communitybuilders website, with many resources for volunteering, and for information about community building.