Source: Statement from State and Territory Ministers handed out at the conclusion of the Ministerial Meeting in Brisbane on April 3rd.

Media release

3 April 2007

Disability disagreement disappoints ministers

State and territory disability services ministers have expressed their deep concern and disappointment with the Commonwealth Government’s high-handed approach to negotiations for a new five-year funding agreement.

The ministers met with Commonwealth Minister Mal Brough in Brisbane today to negotiate details for a new Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA).

Queensland Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt, who chaired the meeting, said he was surprised and angered by the Commonwealth’s threat to abandon the collective CSTDA process and instead deal with the states and territories individually.

Speaking on behalf of all state and territory ministers, Mr Pitt said Mr Brough’s attempt to splinter the states and territories was ill-conceived and arrogant.

He said Mr Brough told the ministers he had “real new money” for housing and respite but he would not disclose a figure.

“It is false for Mr Brough to claim that the states and territories walked out on today’s negotiations. It was Mr Brough who terminated the negotiations when he refused to outline the Commonwealth’s offer,” Mr Pitt said.

“State and Territory Disability Services Ministers are not prepared to be the architects of the demise of the successful CSTDA agreement,” he said.

“We, as a group, are 100 per cent committed to ensuring that a multilateral-based agreement is reached.

“The recent bipartisan Senate inquiry report into disability services funding recognised the importance of an agreement, with significant increases to families of people with a disability.

“We require the Federal Minister to provide details and the quantum of the Commonwealth Government’s offer. Four weeks out from a Federal Budget, the Federal Minister must be aware of the amount of funding he has to offer.

“We will continue to negotiate to ensure a fair deal for all states and territories, so we request a further meeting with Mr Brough before the Federal Budget to resolve the issue.

“These negotiations gave the Commonwealth Government an ideal opportunity to show some compassion towards people with a disability. Instead, it seems determined to abandon them.

Media contact:          Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280