Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Record $1.2 billion disabilities budget revolves around early intervention
Queenslanders with a disability were big winners in today’s State Budget with the government delivering more than $1 billion which will be directed towards service delivery including early intervention and prevention.
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the record $1.235 billion funding was the second billion-dollar budget for the disability sector in as many years and represented a 14 per cent – or $152.8 million – increase on last year.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Disability Services Queensland allocation specifically focused on early intervention and prevention programs – and accommodation support services – to help people living with a disability move into the community.
“This includes an extra $68 million over four years specifically to support people with a disability sooner and to reduce the stress and anxiety often experienced by families and carers,” she said.
“As part of this four-year package, $15 million each year will go towards improving service in areas like accommodation support, respite and day services with a particular focus on targeting some of the key transition points in an individual’s life, such as leaving school.
“We are committed to focusing support around early and timely intervention and ensuring the right services are provided to the right people, at the right time.
“A further $2 million each year will help develop the department’s systems to support its early intervention and prevention focus, with the overall aim to increase the level of service delivered, while reducing the level of demand for high-cost supports and crisis responses.”
The 2008-09 Budget includes $825.1 million for disability services, $386.3 million for home and community care services and $23.1 million for mental health services.
While the Budget aims to reduce demand-related issues, Ms Nelson-Carr said it also provided a welcome boost for people who may experience times of crisis in the near future.
“An extra $25 million over four years has been committed to supporting people with a disability and their families who are in need of urgent assistance.
“In addition, the Bligh Government has allocated $1.5 million a year to assist people with a psychiatric disability to transition from mental health treatment facilities to sustainable community living, as part of the Housing and Support Program.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the announcement of a second billion-dollar budget capped-off a period of major milestones for the Bligh Government in the area of disability services.
“Since September 2007, we have introduced new disabilities legislation – a cornerstone of the Queensland Government’s response to the Carter report.
“The Bligh Government has a strong record of growth in disability funding which is essential when managing increasing demand for services and unmet need –factors every government must deal with as populations grow and age.
“Handing down another billion-dollar budget is testimony to the fact we are committed to working with service providers to deliver the best possible outcomes for individuals with a disability, their families and carers.”
For more information on DSQ’s 2008-09 budget allocation, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the record $1.235 billion funding was the second billion-dollar budget for the disability sector in as many years and represented a 14 per cent – or $152.8 million – increase on last year.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Disability Services Queensland allocation specifically focused on early intervention and prevention programs – and accommodation support services – to help people living with a disability move into the community.
“This includes an extra $68 million over four years specifically to support people with a disability sooner and to reduce the stress and anxiety often experienced by families and carers,” she said.
“As part of this four-year package, $15 million each year will go towards improving service in areas like accommodation support, respite and day services with a particular focus on targeting some of the key transition points in an individual’s life, such as leaving school.
“We are committed to focusing support around early and timely intervention and ensuring the right services are provided to the right people, at the right time.
“A further $2 million each year will help develop the department’s systems to support its early intervention and prevention focus, with the overall aim to increase the level of service delivered, while reducing the level of demand for high-cost supports and crisis responses.”
The 2008-09 Budget includes $825.1 million for disability services, $386.3 million for home and community care services and $23.1 million for mental health services.
While the Budget aims to reduce demand-related issues, Ms Nelson-Carr said it also provided a welcome boost for people who may experience times of crisis in the near future.
“An extra $25 million over four years has been committed to supporting people with a disability and their families who are in need of urgent assistance.
“In addition, the Bligh Government has allocated $1.5 million a year to assist people with a psychiatric disability to transition from mental health treatment facilities to sustainable community living, as part of the Housing and Support Program.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the announcement of a second billion-dollar budget capped-off a period of major milestones for the Bligh Government in the area of disability services.
“Since September 2007, we have introduced new disabilities legislation – a cornerstone of the Queensland Government’s response to the Carter report.
“The Bligh Government has a strong record of growth in disability funding which is essential when managing increasing demand for services and unmet need –factors every government must deal with as populations grow and age.
“Handing down another billion-dollar budget is testimony to the fact we are committed to working with service providers to deliver the best possible outcomes for individuals with a disability, their families and carers.”
For more information on DSQ’s 2008-09 budget allocation, visit www.disability.qld.gov.au
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280