Source: Office of the Tasmanian Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, MHA

The Minister for Health and Human Services, Lara Giddings, today said the State Government was aware of the proposal from HOPES and acknowledged the work they had put in to developing this proposal.

"We will give due consideration to the HOPES proposal as we assess various options for improving accommodation for people with disabilities into the future," Ms Giddings said.

"This will be done in light of the outcomes of the Disability Review which the Government expects to receive in the coming weeks.

"Providing better services, including accommodation, for people with an ABI is a challenge for all States and Territories.  In Tasmania this issue is being considered as part of the Review of Disability Services.

"Disability Services enables people with an ABI to remain living in their own homes through the provision of Individual Support Packages. The support available may include help with all aspects of daily living such as personal care, meal preparation and community access.

"Disability Services also provides approximately $2.3 million per annum to services specifically for people with an ABI.  This includes funding for specialist accommodation for eight people in a four bed group home, a 2 bedroom unit and the coordination of individual funding arrangements.

"Disability Services is currently reviewing accommodation options for all people with a disability in Tasmania, including those with an ABI.

"Alternative accommodation options are also being developed as part of the Young People in Residential Aged Care Program, which is a joint initiative with the Australian Government.   

"This will include the construction of a new accommodation facility in the South for people who are under 50 years of age and currently living in aged care facilities.

"The Housing Options Providing Extra Support (HOPES) model is being considered as a possible option for this project," Ms Giddings said.