NSW Minister for Ageing and Disability Services, Kristina Keneally, today welcomed last night’s episode of Four Corners, In My Shoes, which is helping to keep the challenges facing carers of people with disabilities on the agenda.
"We owe carers both a debt of gratitude and a commitment to continue to deliver better services and facilities – and the NSW Government looks forward to tonight’s Federal budget including significant assistance for people with disabilities and their carers," Ms Keneally said.
"We have already welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent announcement at the NSW State Labor Conference, of an extra $1 billion to disability services in Australia - including an extra $100 million in immediate capital works funding for supported accommodation.
"This came on top of his assurance in March that the carer’s bonus would remain, and the continuing good work underway between the New South Wales and Federal Governments on a new Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA)."
Ms Keneally said that the Iemma Government was continuing to work to deliver better services and facilities to people with disabilities and their carers in NSW.
"While caring for people with disabilities is often rewarding, it can also be immensely challenging and the Iemma Government’s plan, Stronger Together, is injecting $1.3 billion of new funding into disability services," Ms Keneally said.
"The Prime Minister’s announcement of an extra $1 billion for disability services endorsed Premier Iemma’s spending and policy priorities - the new money will build on the NSW government’s ongoing efforts to give people with disabilities more help."
Ms Keneally said that in the 18 months to December 2007, the Iemma Government:
• Rolled out an extra 1,062 respite places, providing more carers with a much-needed break and opportunities for a person with a disability to access the community;
• Provided another 241 special accommodation and support places - specialised care for people with a disability, either in a person’s home or in a supported accommodation facility;
• Introduced 95 extra attendant care places, providing in-home support for people with high-level care needs, including health and domestic assistance; and
• Introduced 125 extra flexible day programs for people cared for at home by older parents, providing meaningful activities for an adult with disabilities, and a break for their older parents.
"In addition to the 1,062 respite places delivered in the first 18 months of Stronger Together we have also introduced another 791 respite places specifically for older parent carers," Ms Keneally said.
"We have more respite places available now than ever before, including specific supports established for older parent carers, young carers, and carers from culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal communities.
"And in addition, last month I announced we will introduce a Companion Card, providing free travel and other services for carers of people with severe and profound disabilities.
"One in ten people in NSW is a carer – these people play a significant role in supporting people to live at home and participate in the community, and pieces of journalism like the one from last night help keep the challenges facing carers on the public agenda.
"There is more that can be done - and we are doing more. The Iemma Government will continue to work with the Federal Government and Non Government Sector to deliver the families and carers of people with disabilities the help and support they need."