SEARCH BEGINS FOR AUSTRALIA’S FIRST IN QLD
Published Thursday, 18 October, 2007 at 03:42 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today announced a global search starts this weekend for a director to head Australia’s first Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Support.
“The new Queensland centre will play a significant role in developing cutting-edge research and policy and taking it into the field where it will make a difference to people with intellectual disabilities and severely challenging behaviours,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Recruiting the centre’s director is a major step, along with the appointment of senior and front-line staff to work in our specialist response teams across the State.
“This integrated model will not only develop best practice but deliver it.
“The centre and staffing are among the State Government’s $113 million four-year response to the Carter Report and represent some of the biggest reforms of Queensland’s disability services sector.
“Importantly, the reforms will help improve the quality of life for people with severe disabilities and challenging behaviour, who are among our most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.”
Disability Services Queensland is seeking a professional with an international reputation, research credibility and / or outstanding clinical track record in this specialised field of practice to head the centre.
Ms Nelson-Carr also today announced targeted consultation begins on Monday, October 22, on new draft legislation for the service delivery model which includes stringent safeguards to protect the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and severely challenging behaviours.
“Consultations will be held across Queensland and enable disability service providers, families and advocates for people with a disability to provide feedback on these important new laws,” said the Minister.
“These significant reforms will ultimately help protect the wellbeing of Queenslanders with a disability and I believe show Queensland is not afraid to take a leadership role in disability services.
“This will include working with top researchers and service providers across Australia and around the world to ensure Queenslanders receive the best care and have every opportunity to take part in their communities.”
For more information on the Queensland Government’s response to Judge Carter’s report, Challenging Behaviours and Disability – A Targeted Response, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
“The new Queensland centre will play a significant role in developing cutting-edge research and policy and taking it into the field where it will make a difference to people with intellectual disabilities and severely challenging behaviours,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Recruiting the centre’s director is a major step, along with the appointment of senior and front-line staff to work in our specialist response teams across the State.
“This integrated model will not only develop best practice but deliver it.
“The centre and staffing are among the State Government’s $113 million four-year response to the Carter Report and represent some of the biggest reforms of Queensland’s disability services sector.
“Importantly, the reforms will help improve the quality of life for people with severe disabilities and challenging behaviour, who are among our most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.”
Disability Services Queensland is seeking a professional with an international reputation, research credibility and / or outstanding clinical track record in this specialised field of practice to head the centre.
Ms Nelson-Carr also today announced targeted consultation begins on Monday, October 22, on new draft legislation for the service delivery model which includes stringent safeguards to protect the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and severely challenging behaviours.
“Consultations will be held across Queensland and enable disability service providers, families and advocates for people with a disability to provide feedback on these important new laws,” said the Minister.
“These significant reforms will ultimately help protect the wellbeing of Queenslanders with a disability and I believe show Queensland is not afraid to take a leadership role in disability services.
“This will include working with top researchers and service providers across Australia and around the world to ensure Queenslanders receive the best care and have every opportunity to take part in their communities.”
For more information on the Queensland Government’s response to Judge Carter’s report, Challenging Behaviours and Disability – A Targeted Response, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280