Website: http://www.billsykes.com.au/                                                                                                      MEDIA RELEASE 

Thursday, 19 July 2007

“DISAPPOINTING” STATE GOVT APPROACH TO DISABILITY FUNDING

The Bracks Government’s failure to enter into discussions with the Commonwealth about the unmet demand for disability services was disappointing, according to Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes.

This week Parliament was told over 3,000 Victorians were on a waiting list to access disability services in the state.

Dr Sykes said, “The Federal Government had offered to discuss a dollar for dollar funding arrangement to address this unmet demand earlier in the year. Victoria however did not respond to this offer seemingly because they were not prepared to commit any additional funding to the disability sector.

Dr Sykes said, “Carers of people with a disability would be “thoroughly disheartened” by the current situation in Victoria and by the Bracks Government’s lack of action.

“I do note that in 2007/2008 the Auditor General shall conduct a performance audit relative to housing and accommodation support for persons with a disability and an audit on programs for students with a disability but this does not appease those currently adversely affected by various inadequacies in the disability sector,” he said.

Dr Sykes concluded, “The question remains, how will the State Government address the lack of disability services in Victoria after refusing the Commonwealth offer?”

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989