The Hon. Kristina Keneally MP
Minister for Ageing                                                                                                                  
Minister for Disability Services
Member for Heffron
Level 36 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: (02) 9228 5188 Fax: (02) 9228 3369 E-Mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Sunday 4 May, 2008

NSW WELCOMES NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DISABILITY SERVICES

NSW Minister for Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, today welcomed the Prime Minister’s $1billion commitment to disability services in Australia. The Prime Minister made the announcement today at the NSW ALP State Conference.

“The $1 billion commitment, including an extra $100 million in immediate capital works funding for supported accommodation, will make a difference to people with disabilities, their families and their carers,” Ms Keneally said.

“The Prime Minister’s announcement is a massive endorsement of Premier Iemma’s spending and policy priorities. The new money will compliment the Iemma Government’s $1.3 billion Stronger Together Plan to deliver better services and facilities to people with a disability.

“The new money announced today will build on the NSW government’s ongoing efforts to give people with disabilities more help.”

“We’ve turned the corner – this is another sign that we’ve ended the blame game between the State and Commonwealth Governments, and are now delivering more assistance to some of the people who most need it.” Ms Keneally said that the need for services for the ageing and the disabled is great and it is growing.

“The Iemma Government’s $1.3 billion Stronger Together plan and the Federal Government’s announcement today of an extra $1 billion for disability services, signals where we need to continue to direct our efforts and our resources,” Ms Keneally said.

Media Contact: Phil McCall 0438 619 987