$52 million outlay for better, fairer disability service system

A $52 million program of reforms to create a better and more sustainable disability service system has been outlined by Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt.

Mr Pitt announced the four-year package of reforms, which will improve the way specialist disability services are delivered in Queensland, as part of this week’s record budget allocation to assist people with a disability.

Mr Pitt said the Growing Stronger reforms would ensure a fairer, streamlined way to access specialist disability services, and would make the disability system more sustainable overall.

“The way disability services are delivered in Queensland required fundamental change to ensure quality services could be provided into the future,” he said.

“During the past six years the Queensland Government has substantially increased its investment in disability services.

“However, demand for services will continue to increase and the reality is there will never be enough money to meet all the needs of all Queenslanders with a disability through service provision alone.

“That said, I believe we can work smarter with the resources we do have, and there are many things we can do to build the capacity of people with a disability to live as independently as possible within inclusive and supportive Queensland communities.”

Key features of the new system include:
• simplified access to Disability Services Queensland funded services via a single application form
• a personal assessment process for all applicants
• tailored service responses for individuals
• better information systems to ensure fair and sustainable service delivery.

Mr Pitt said the changes were informed by feedback collected through forums such as the Have Your Say consultation process, the Shared Visions disability conferences, and advice from disability councils.

“From this feedback, we understand that the current system is not working as well as it might for everyone,” he said.

“By introducing easier access, a person-centred approach and an enhanced information and technology system, we will achieve better outcomes for people with a disability, and their families and carers.”

In league with the Growing Stronger initiative, the Queensland Government is making an additional investment of $113 million over four years to implement recommendations made by former Supreme Court judge, Mr Bill Carter, who reviewed the needs of people with an intellectual disability who exhibit severely challenging behaviour.

Mr Pitt said that the Growing Stronger initiative – and the government’s response to Mr Carter’s recommendations, Investing in Positive Futures – heralded a significant change to the way disability services would be provided in Queensland.

“Once the policies, tools and processes that will be needed to implement the package are developed, they will be applied to services provided by Disability Services Queensland in the first instance,” he said.

“Then, we will work in partnership with non-government service providers to implement the reforms consistently across the entire Queensland specialist service system.

“This program of reforms will result in a much stronger system and much better outcomes for Queenslanders with a disability, their families and carers,” he said.

More information on the Growing Stronger and Investing in Positive Futures initiatives can be obtained from the Disability Services Queensland website – www.disability.qld.gov.au – or by phoning the Disability Information Service on 1800 177 120.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280