Published Friday, 01 February, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
QLD attends special meeting of Disability Services Ministers
Queensland Disabilities Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr is attending a special meeting of State and Territory Disabilities Ministers in Melbourne today (Friday, February 1) which is being convened by the Rudd Government.
Ms Nelson-Carr said a priority for Queensland would be to see negotiations kick started as soon as possible for the fourth Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) which had stalled under the failed Howard Government.
“Queensland increased its CSTDA contribution from the first national agreement in 2002-03 by $350 million – or 146% – to reach $589 million this financial year,” she said.
“The Howard Government let Queenslanders down by only increasing the federal contribution by just $19 million and then stalling on negotiations.
“Today's meeting is an opportunity to get the ball rolling on reform, with a fourth multilateral agreement that delivers the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders with a disability.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said another high priority would be to progress the Rudd Government’s National Disability Strategy and she was keen for Queensland to play a leading role.
“Queensland is already the home of the country’s first research centre developing research and industry best practice to support people with disabilities and severely challenging behaviours,” she said.
“This initiative is likely to present opportunities for other States and Territories to help some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Media contact: Minister’s office – 07 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr said a priority for Queensland would be to see negotiations kick started as soon as possible for the fourth Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA) which had stalled under the failed Howard Government.
“Queensland increased its CSTDA contribution from the first national agreement in 2002-03 by $350 million – or 146% – to reach $589 million this financial year,” she said.
“The Howard Government let Queenslanders down by only increasing the federal contribution by just $19 million and then stalling on negotiations.
“Today's meeting is an opportunity to get the ball rolling on reform, with a fourth multilateral agreement that delivers the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders with a disability.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said another high priority would be to progress the Rudd Government’s National Disability Strategy and she was keen for Queensland to play a leading role.
“Queensland is already the home of the country’s first research centre developing research and industry best practice to support people with disabilities and severely challenging behaviours,” she said.
“This initiative is likely to present opportunities for other States and Territories to help some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Media contact: Minister’s office – 07 3235 4280