Source: Media Release, THE HON JOHN COBB MP, Acting Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

A further three jurisdictions have signed bilateral agreements with the Australian Government to help young people with a disability move out of residential aged care facilities.

Acting Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, John Cobb, today welcomed the commitment by New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory and said he looked forward to working with them to see the plan become a reality.

"For too long, the only long-term residential care available to young people with a disability has been in aged care facilities. Young people in these states and territory will see an improvement in the choices available," Mr Cobb said.

"Agreements with the States follow on from a decision at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in February last year to fund and develop a $244 million program over the next five years.

"This program will reduce the number of younger people with a disability in residential aged care and will initially target those under 50 years of age.

"The program may also provide improved services to those who continue to stay in residential aged care and additional disability support services to assist those at risk of entering aged care.

"States and Territories, which have the responsibility for accommodation for these people, will manage the program on a day-to-day basis, subject to the signed agreements with the Australian Government.

"This is a significant day for those young people with disabilities who are looking for accommodation outside aged care facilities. I am pleased to have been able to reach agreement with New South Wales, Tasmania and the Northern Territory to see this plan become a reality.

"These three jurisdictions now join Victoria, Queensland and South Australia in this important initiative."

Contact: Ron Kelly 0417 862 924