NSW — The New
South Wales Government says it will build a nursing home
specifically for the young disabled as part of its $1
billion spending plan.
Premier Morris Iemma outlined the
Government's plans to improve disability services over
the next five years during a speech to the Sydney
Institute last night.
Community participation for school
leavers will be increased from three to four days a week
and five for those with high support needs.
There is more than 1,000 respite
care places and the same number of supported
accommodation spots.
"I've often been humbled by the
lengths to which families are willing to go to look after
family members with a disability," he said.
"But even the most dedicated
families need a break."
Further details will be announced
today, including plans to build a nursing home so young
people do not have to live with elderly patients.
"And for the first time
[this] puts disability services where they should
be - at the top of our priorities," Mr Iemma said.
The Opposition's spokesman for
disability services, John Ryan, says the Government will
have a challenge convincing the public about the package.
"The vast bulk of what they're
promising, they don't plan to deliver until after the
next two state elections," he said.
"So people in the disability sector
who've sadly been chronically underfunded and misled by
the Government in the past will be wondering if they do
plan to implement this package in the near
future."
