Australia — The
national government and community summit proposed by the
National
Alliance of Young People in Nursing
Homes for February 2005
should be supported with up to $5 million to run the
conference and develop a strategy for implementation by
the end of 2005, Greens Senator Bob Brown said in
Brisbane today.
Senator Brown was launching the
Greens' Queensland election campaign with Senate
candidate Drew Hutton.
"It is unacceptable that more than
6000 people aged 65 and under are forced to live in
nursing homes because they have serious disabilities
requiring high levels of care but governments have made
no provision for them," Senator Brown said.
"These people, some only teenagers,
are living out their lives in nursing homes designed for
the aged. They are isolated from the community and people
their own age and lack the services needed to fulfil
their potential.
"The Commonwealth should take a
lead in developing a national framework for people with
complex care needs, taking into account age, disability,
accommodation and support needs, and
expectations.
"The Greens would allocate up to $5
million to develop the strategy, focusing initially on
giving young people who currently have no-where else to
go a choice of accommodation and support
services.
"We aim to start getting those who
choose an alternative out of nursing homes by the end of
2005. This is also a crucial policy for the families and
carers of these young Australians.
"The move will also free up nursing
home beds for those who really need them," said Senator
Brown.
Senator Brown and Mr Hutton
released the Greens policies for people with
disabilities, highlighting the need to provide choices
for living, working and participating in society for the
20% of Australians with disabilities.
Initiatives at the launch include
-
- $5 million (as above) for young
people in nursing homes;
- $700 million to double the
Carer Allowance from $45 per week to $90 per
week;
- a $1 billion, ten-year, 300 000
solar roofs program, subsidising solar panels on a
sliding scale beginning with a 50% incentive reducing
to zero after ten years.
