Source: Office of Senator Jan McLucas, Labor Senator for Queensland

Senator Jan McLucas Labor Senator for Queensland

Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers

Media Release

4 April 2007 (*NB sent on 3 April)

Federal Government must negotiate CSTDA in good faith

Senator McLucas is urging the Minister for Community Services, Mal Brough, to go to today's negotiations with state and territory disability ministers on the upcoming Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement in good faith.

Minister Brough said in February there would be no growth funding forthcoming from the

Commonwealth in the negotiations for the 4th CSTDA, with funding due to commence July 2007.

The current contribution from the Commonwealth has fallen to below 20%, the states and territories contribute over 80% to the CSTDA.

"People with disabilities and their carers are exhausted by the constant blame game they experience in their bid to access services and support. They want to see genuine cooperation between the Commonwealth and the states," Senator McLucas said.

The level of frustration in the disability sector has led them to organise sit-ins at electorate offices today from 12 noon to 1pm to coincide with the disability ministers' meeting in Brisbane.

"I urge the Minister to go to the negotiation table with the states and territories in good faith to do the right thing for people with disabilities and their carers," Senator McLucas said.

Contact: Senator Jan McLucas 0407 169 206

Heather Witham 0417 010 734