NT Budget - May 2007

ACT Update - May 2007

APRIL MINISTER'S MEETING INFORMATION - CLICK HERE

May 2007

BUDGET BOOST FOR THE TERRITORY 'S
DISABILITY SERVICES

Clare Martin
CHIEF MINISTER

Delia Lawrie
COMMUNITY SERVICES MINISTER

The Martin Government will spend an additional $25.77 million over the next 5-years to improve services for Territorians with disabilities.

Chief Minister, Clare Martin, and Family and Community Services Minister, Delia Lawrie, announced the funding boost at the Somerville Community Services.

"This means more equipment, increased taxi subsidies and improved access to disability services," Ms Martin said.

"It's the most significant funding injection into disability services in the NT's history.

"The package will provide $475,000 for taxi subsidies and the expansion of the Home and Community Care Program.

"It will also fund equipment under the Territory Independence and Mobility Equipment Scheme (TIMES).

"This increased budget will enable the Government to keep pace with increasing demand for disability services in the Territory."

Minister Lawrie said the Government was responding to recommendations made in the recent Disability Services Review.

"This is a new integrated model for disability services to better meet the needs of Territorians with disabilities," Ms Lawrie said.

"Disability services are such a high priority we are establishing an Office of Disability within the Department of Health and Community Services.

"It will take a leadership role in guiding the disability sector in the transition of the new integrated model.

"The Territory is making a commitment to fund growth in respite services, day programs and accommodation services."

NIKOLA LEKIAS
Media Adviser

4 May 2007

ACT CSTDA community update

... For its part, the ACT is seeking to overcome a serious disparity in base funding - currently the ACT gets 17 cents from the Australian Government for every $1 it spends on specialised disability services. Some States receive well in excess of double that amount. The average is 24%, still well ahead of the ACT.

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