Delivering more support for Queenslanders in need

Funding for frontline community services has been boosted in the Newman Government’s second Budget.

Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services Minister Tracy Davis said spending across her portfolio would increase to $2.86 billion.

“The Newman Government’s investment in the 2013-14 financial year for the Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services highlights our commitment to supporting a resilient Queensland,” Ms Davis said.

“Once again we have had to make some tough decisions in order to rebuild confidence after the scattergun and misdirected funding approach left behind by the former Government.”

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the Budget was focussed on creating a more resilient Queensland.

“We still have significant rebuilding to do after the natural disasters of recent years but we also have to rebuild the State’s finances,” Mr Nicholls said.

“The financial repair work is a long term task, but if we are to become more resilient we can’t walk away from the challenge.”

Ms Davis said the Government’s strong economic management over the last financial year within the department had meant a funding boost of $16.27 million was possible in this year’s Budget.

 “This Budget provides services for seniors, children, families, young people and women,” she said.

“Importantly the Budget delivers for some of Queensland’s most vulnerable people including those who have experienced domestic violence or elder abuse, children in foster care and people with a disability.

“Funding of $25 million has been directed to assist the sector and department to prepare for the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (DisabilityCare) as the first instalment of the government’s additional $868 million promised State funds."

Ms Davis said the Budget committed $5 million over two years, including $2.5 million in 2013-14, to help rebuild the lives of those affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald. 

“The cost of making Queensland far more disaster resilient is significant, however this funding will help coordinate the support for the restoration of emotional, social and physical wellbeing of communities impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald,” she said.

“Funding will also be used to help develop financial assistance packages for individuals, families and non-government organisations.”

Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services budget highlights include:

• $868 million over the period to 2018-19 to fund Queensland’s commitment under the National Disability Insurance Scheme
• $106.4 million over four years for Disability Demand Pressures to assist with issues such as helping young people with a disability leave school or exit State care
• $25.1 million over four years for Foster and Kinship Carer Allowances to meet demand from increasing numbers of children in out-of-home care including $5.5 million in 2013-14
• $15.2 million over four years to continue the Emergency Relief program and to support 13 Neighbourhood Centres formerly funded under the Community Development initiative including $3.8 million in 2013-14
• $6.5 million to fund extra respite for people with high needs disabilities aged 16 to 25 years and their families and carers and establish Parent Connect
• $2 million for Fostering Families, a two-year trial of an intensive family intervention program to target neglect
• $375,000 for counselling services for victims of child abuse and sexual assault,  including access to telephone counselling for children from regional areas.

 [ENDS] 4 June 2013

Media Contact: Minister Davis’ office 07 3235 4280