New South Wales,
Australia — The Council
of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS)
has called upon the Minister for Disability Services, Ms
Carmel Tebbutt to reverse the funding cuts that brought
thousands of people with disabilities and their families
to demonstrate outside NSW Parliament today.
"Given the outcry over proposed
cuts to the Adult Training Learning and Support (ATLAS)
program, the Minister must act quickly" said NCOSS Deputy
Director Michelle Burrell.
" Whilst NCOSS appreciates the
Minister meeting with a delegation today and her promise
of at least three days a week services for people with
disability, the fact of the matter is that people need
services for five days."
"The Minister is emphasising
certainty for families, but the uncertainty and distress
is largely a result of the announcement of the new
funding levels, which will be significantly lower than
present," added Ms Burrell. "No matter how long the
Minister looks at the Expressions of Interest the funding
offered cannot meet the needs of people with
disabilities".
"NCOSS is not opposed to reforms
that deliver quality and improvements. We welcome the
Minister's commitment that DADHC will not fund services
that fail standards," said Ms Burrell " But the Minister
cannot expect non-government organisations to deliver
these improvements with fewer dollars. "
"Young people with disabilities
like all others should be able to choose a life path
through employment or community involvement or be
assisted to do so. It is time for the Minister to provide
this guarantee".
Media Contact
Michelle Burrell, Deputy Director 0427 951 355 (mob)
(02) 9211 2599 (wk)
