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Thursday, April 02, 2009
Members Statement
Disability organisations need a commitment from this government in the upcoming budget that they will be funded at a level which ensures that the sector is sustainable and able to continue to deliver high-quality services for vulnerable Victorians.
Research undertaken by 11 leading disability providers shows that current supported accommodation, respite and day services are all underfunded by up to 10 per cent. In fact the government's disability price review, done by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) but not publicly released, reportedly says the sector is currently underfunded by over $50 million.
In addition we have a new framework for the disability sector. There is a new act and there are new guidelines and an increased compliance and regulatory regime -- but no additional funding.
Labor has failed to consider and fund the additional cost burden of its own legislation, which is estimated to be an additional 20 per cent. Disability organisations across the state are having to make the hard decision as to whether they will even continue to deliver services where the funding provided does not cover the cost of delivering it. The Minister for Community Services must release the PWC disability pricing review so the sector, the community and families can understand the full extent of the failure of this government to appropriately fund disability services, and what is required to do so.
In order to ensure that the community sector is equipped with the necessary resources it needs to carry out its important work the government must commit to significant extra funding in this year's budget. Anything less will mean disability organisations will have their viability threatened.
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