States seek extra $2.1 billion for people with a disability

State and Territory Disability Services Ministers will today insist on increased Commonwealth funding to address unmet demand and projected future growth for specialist disability services.

The ministers will meet in Brisbane with Federal Minister Mal Brough to negotiate a new five-year Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement.

Queensland Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt, who will chair today’s meeting, said the recent offer put on the table by the Commonwealth Government was unacceptable to the states and territories.

“We will strive to address the inadequacy by demanding an increase of $2.1 billion by the end of the five-year agreement. This would see the Commonwealth matching the current funding commitment by states and territories,” Mr Pitt said.

“We don’t think it is asking too much for the Commonwealth to match the $3.2 billion in funding that is now being provided by the states and territories. That is the least the Commonwealth should do.

“Organisations providing disability services are a vital part of the community and cannot be left to struggle with ever-increasing pressure on their services.

“State and territory budgets are already stretched. The Commonwealth must increase its funding to ensure the sustainability of services for people with a disability.”

Mr Pitt said that in other agreements, the Commonwealth Government provided a share of funding equal to or greater than the contribution of the state and territory governments.

These included the Commonwealth State Housing Agreement and the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program, which targets homelessness.

“The renegotiation of the disability agreement provides an opportunity to address this inequity for people with a disability,” Mr Pitt said.

“It can also position the disability sector to respond to not only existing demand but also projected future growth for specialist services.”

The call by state and territory governments is expected to be accompanied by demonstrations of support, both in Brisbane and across the country, from people with a disability, their families, advocates and service providers.

Late last year, an all-party Senate inquiry examined the funding and operation of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement.

All state and territory ministers have acknowledged the value of the inquiry and the evidence provided by stakeholders – including governments – in highlighting issues relating to funding and indexation, service delivery, and performance measurement and monitoring.

Mr Pitt said the Senate inquiry’s final report, released in February this year, supported an increase in funding to address identified unmet need for specialist disability services, particularly for accommodation services and support.

“In line with these findings, states and territories are looking to work with the Commonwealth to deliver an enhanced and more effective and efficient system of specialist disability services,” he said.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280 or 0408 701 379