Source: Office of Senator Jan McLucas, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers

Media Release

Senator Jan McLucas Labor Senator for Queensland
Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers

4 July 2007

Minister withdraws disability offer to states

The Shadow Minister for Ageing, Disabilities and Carers said she was extremely disappointed that the Minister for Community Services has today withdrawn the Commonwealth's offer of matched increased funding with the States and Territories in the Commonwealth, State/Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA).

The Minister has stated in a letter that the offer is no longer available in light of the disability package announced last week by the Prime Minister.

Just under half this funding was in the form of income support payments to families caring for a child under 16. While Labor welcomes these payments they do not provide assistance to all people with disability, because they are outside CSTDA funding – which provides care services.

“Australians with disabilities and their carers will be disappointed that the Commonwealth has turned its back on funding to meet the extra demand for the support services they rely on every day," Senator McLucas said.

“The Government is trying to chase votes at the expense of sustainable services for people with disabilities.

"The Government’s refusal to work in partnership with State and Territory Governments will lead to fewer services for people and their carers.

"They deserve better than the usual blame game between Canberra and the states.

"Effective disability policy demands a ‘whole of Government’ response and the CSTDA means real services for people with a disability and their carers on the ground. It is vitally important that people have certainty they will get the support they need for the long term."

Contact: Sen Jan McLucas 0407 169 206

Heather Witham 0417 010 734