PDCN Bulletin #31 • August 24, 2004

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Welcome to Issue No: 31 of THE PDCN BULLETIN, our topical issues newsletter and information source for opinion formers, decision-makers and others interested in disability sector topics. The bulletin is produced by the Physical Disability Council of New South Wales (PDCN). We are the peak body representing people with physical disability across the State.

Our aim is to provide readers with accurate, up-to-date and timely information, comment and analysis of disability sector issues from the perspective of people with physical disability in NSW, including children with disability and their representatives.

1. PADP NSW Government Responds To Sector Campaign
2. PADP Delegation To State Parliament
3. PADP Disability Sector Meets Minister For Health
4. Personal Assistance Service Reform Still On Agenda
5. Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Review
6. Public Meeting On NSW Government's PSO / ATLAS Reforms
7. Disability Council of NSW Call For Nominations
8. Disability Council of NSW Job Vacancy Executive Officer
9. NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre Job Vacancy Principal Solicitor
10. Australian Communications Authority Survey
11. The PDCN Forum Moves To Yahoo
12. About The PDCN Bulletin

 1. PADP: NSW Government Responds To Sector Campaign

The State Government has responded significantly to the disability sector campaign that calls for substantial enhancement of the PADP Budget administered by NSW Health. Since our representatives met with Government officials in May (when we were told there would be no new money for PADP in the June Budget) we've encouraged Government to move forward. (We want them to move still further).

Following the Parliamentary Delegation held on 24th June, attended by more than 50 representatives of disability sector organisations, the Minister for Health announced an immediate increase in the PADP Budget (this financial year) of $900,000. At the same time, the Minister committed the Government to an additional $3 Million enhancement over the next three financial years. Although we believe that the Government needs to go beyond these enhancements it is clear that not one cent of this new money was 'on the table' in May. Three months of concerted pressure by a united disability sector has started to produce positive results.

Our sector intends to continue to work together for the Budget enhancement that is required to meet unmet need for aids and equipment. PDCN will continue to play a leading role in that joint effort.

 

2. PADP: Delegation To State Parliament

A delegation of disability sector representatives presented the sector's case for PADP Budget enhancement at a packed meeting in the NSW State Parliament on Thursday, 24th June.

All the organisations that support our campaign were invited to join us inside Parliament as we presented a dossier on unmet need for PADP to the State's politicians. We had an excellent response from our colleagues in the disability sector resulting in a good mix of service providers and PADP consumers.

Our delegation spoke with:

• John Ryan, Opposition Disability Spokesperson
• Sylvia Hale, Greens Health Spokesperson
• Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Australian Democrats

David Brice (PDCN President) was interviewed by the Parliamentary press corps.

We told the politicians and the media about the experiences of people with disability with unmet need for aids and equipment. We made it clear what it means when people with disability cannot get the equipment that we need.

The Health spokespeople attending the delegation expressed their understanding of the importance of PADP to individuals, their families and communities. All agreed to work with us to put continuing pressure on the Government.

Chris Dodd, President of NCOSS, spoke to delegation participants, saying it was great to see so many people and organisations joining voices to speak out together on this vitally important issue. Thanks to Chris for his involvement and the support of NCOSS. We'd also like thank David Barr, Independent Member for Manly, who helped us make arrangements in the Parliament building.

We have put photos of the Parliamentary Delegation on the PDCN website. You can look at them at www.pdcnsw.org.au/issues/padp/04/delegation.html

3. PADP: Disability Sector Meets Minister For Health

Representatives of the disability sector met with the Hon Morris Iemma, Minister for Health, on 29th June. Here's a summary of the notes we made of the meeting.

• We noted that the announced increase in next years PADP budget was 5% in comparison to a 7.9% increase in the overall Health budget.
• The Minister questioned the numbers of people waiting for equipment and our representatives explained that, as yet, such data had not been made available through the Department of Health.
• The Minister questioned the numbers of people waiting for equipment and our representatives explained that, as yet, such data had not been made available through the Department of Health.
• There was uncertainty as to whether some administration costs of PADP (e.g. co-ordinator's salaries) came directly from the current PADP budget or were allocated from elsewhere in the Health budget.
• The Minister advised that a review of PADP was to take place.
• The Minister asked for 'feedback' from the disability sector in identifying the elements for the review. The review would include the level of funding and current administrative arrangements.
• The Minister wants to canvas the possibility that PADP could be administered by NGO/s and asked for feedback from the sector to such a proposal.
• The Minister DID NOT rule out further increases in the PADP budget over the next 3 years but stipulated that more data was required before such a request could be made to Treasury (thus the review).
• Discussion took place around the Health Department's loss of the Department of Veterans Affairs contract that would impact on the PADP budget. Disability sector representatives raised concerns as to whether the Health Department even submitted a tender to retain the contract.
• Concern was expressed across both sides of the table at the current level of interest and involvement by DADHC in PADP discussions.

We feel it is important for everyone to note that the campaign for enhancement of the PADP Budget is not over. We're just moving into a new phase.

We welcome the Minister's intention to review the administration and funding of PADP. But that review needs to be 'short and sharp'. And it needs to result in proposals to further enhance the Budget in the next financial year.

Watch this space for news of developments. And finally, a huge thanks to every individual and organisations that's supported the campaign so far. The show aint over yet and we're going to need more of your support in the months ahead.

4. Personal Assistance Service Reform Still On Agenda

Answering questions from PDCN at a recent DADHC Stakeholder Forum the Minister for Disability Services, the Hon Carmel Tebbutt, confirmed that the State Government intends to carry through with a programme of reform of personal assistance services for people with disability with high levels of support need.

At PDCN, we're glad to hear this because, at times, it looks as if the reform agenda gets a bit bogged down. And we believe that the need for reform and Budget enhancement remains urgent and substantial.

• We are pleased to note that the 100 additional Attendant Care Programme (ACP) places were allocated by the deadline of July 2004. But we need to know what's going to happen now because the waiting lists for places remain too long. There was no announcement of Budget enhancement of the revised ACP so we all have to wonder if the substantial problems of a year are going to return.
• We have welcomed the improvements to management and administration of the ACP and associated programmes. We recognise that there will be a modest increase in the number of places made available each year. But the big question that still remains must be: how can we convince Government to give a priority to growth in the programmes?
• We welcome the revised ACP policy, which should result in better targeting of the programme to people with unmet need for its support model.
• We welcome the proposal to introduce a small pilot project of direct payments for people with disability with high levels of personal assistance and support needs. We'll watch this pilot develop with interest.

The personal assistance working party established by the Minister is due to reconvene on 15th September. We'll participate with keen interest. We'll report here on developments.

 

5. Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Review

PDCN is playing a key role in the State Government's review of wheelchair accessible taxi services. The review was established by the Minister for Transport, the Hon Michael Costa, following consultations with disability advocacy sector groups (including PDCN) and other interested parties.

The Minister has established a review committee. The committee is chaired by the State Government's Director of Community Transport and the majority of its members are drawn from disability sector organisations. The Taxi Council represents the taxi industry. The committee has met twice so far and meets again on Wednesday, 24th August.

The committee is working towards production of a report to the Minister by the end of 2004. An interim report is expected within a month. We will circulate details when they become available for public distribution.

The position of PDCN with regard to wheelchair accessible taxis is clear. We believe:

Wheelchair users should not be disadvantaged by NSW taxi services but we are - seriously disadvantaged almost all the time!

The industry and the regulator (the NSW Government) need to act now if there is to be any hope that wheelchair accessible taxi response times will be the same as other taxi response times by December 2007. This is a requirement of the DDA Disability Standard on Accessible Transport.

The simplest, fairest and most effective way of ensuring equal treatment in the longer term would be for the Government to require all taxis to meet universal access standards by a date no more than 10 years from now. The State Government should investigate ways in which the costs of transition to an accessible fleet could be met from then whole travelling public.

The State's Taxi and Hire Car Bureau should be more vigilant and rigorous in enforcing compliance by drivers and operators of regulations that govern the operation of wheelchair accessible taxis.

The RTA should be more rigorous in inspecting and enforcing safety standards with regard to hoists, ramps and safety harnesses in wheelchair accessible taxis.

 

6. Public Meeting On NSW Government's PSO / ATLAS Reforms

We've received the following information about a public / campaign meeting to be held in Sydney next week.

People With Disabilities, Families, Friends, Carers - Have Your Say!!
Discuss with Politicians the impacts of the proposed ATLAS Reforms.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE THEATRETTE, Macquarie St, Sydney

• Tuesday 31 August 2004
• 2.15 - 3.30pm Question time Legislative Assembly
• 3.30 - 4pm Meeting In Theatrette
• 4 - 5pm Question Time Legislative Council
• PARKING:
  Limited mini bus parking available.
  To secure parking contact ph 9686 4155 by 26 August 2004.

The organisers of the meeting write

• "People With Disabilities reject the State Gov't changes to ATLAS
• the reduction in Service Delivery hours inevitable with the reduction in funding
• the disempowering effect of block funding."
• "What is the future of People With Disabilities given the proposed changes, not only those currently receiving funding but for those yet to leave school?"
• "The ongoing enormous impact on Carers & families of the Minister's decision."

 

7. Disability Council of NSW: Call For Nominations

The Minister for Disability Services is seeking nominations for appointment to the Disability Council of NSW from proactive, well networked, skilled and experienced individuals wanting to make a positive difference to the way New South Wales includes, and supports people with disabilities, their families and communities.

To be considered for appointment applicants need to demonstrate:

• a thorough understanding of the current issues relevant to people with a disability and their families;
• a capacity to mobilise networks which enable the development and dissemination of sound advice to government;
• a commitment to effective communication, consultation and feedback, and
• an understanding of social change processes.

The representation on Council includes people with psychiatric, intellectual, physical disability, acquired brain injury, deaf, hearing impairment, blind, vision impairment or other disabilities, as well as family members and people with particular expertise in the area of disability.

People from rural or remote communities, Acquired Brain Injury, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, and young adults are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must obtain an information package before nominating. Contact Andrew Buchanan on (02) 9211 2866 (voice and TTY), 1800 044 848 (voice and TTY) or write to: A. Buchanan, Chair, Disability Council of NSW, Suite 1904, 323 Castlereagh St., SYDNEY NSW 2000 FAX 02 9211 2271

• email info@discoun.nsw.gov.au
• internet www.discoun.nsw.gov.au

Nominations close - August 31, 2004

8. Disability Council of NSW Job Vacancy: Executive Officer

Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare -Disability Council of NSW EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CLERK GRADE 9/10) DISABILITY COUNCIL OF NSW.

Job Reference ADD04/259. Total remuneration package of $82,313 p.a. ($67,689 - $74,593). Includes employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.

The Disability Council of NSW is seeking a dynamic, strategic thinking and well-networked person to lead Council in its role as the official adviser to the NSW and Commonwealth Governments

The Council consists of up to eighteen people with a disability or experience of key disability issues who can identify & develop advice on systemic barriers affecting full participation in the community by people with disabilities. Council is supported by a small and energetic team.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Comprehensive understanding of the current State & Commonwealth issues for people with disabilities, their families and communities.
• Knowledge of State & Commonwealth legislation & policy relevant to people with disabilities.
• Ability to apply strategic thinking to complex issues & assist the development of high quality advice.
• High quality analytical & information seeking skills.
• High quality negotiation skills.
• Leadership skills with the ability to manage & support an enthusiastic & diverse team of both staff & Council members within a Project Management Framework.
• High quality communication skills, both written and oral.
• Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline or demonstrated experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge & understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity; Ethical Practice; Ethnic Affairs Priorities Statements; & Occupational Health and Safety.

Inquiries Andrew Buchanan, Council Chair, (02) 9211 2866 or email ab_com@bigpond.net.au

Information packages Margaret Garside (02) 9211 2866 or email info@discoun.nsw.gov.au

Applications, marked "Confidential" to be sent to The Recruitment Clerk, Central Corporate Services Unit, GMT, 1 Farrer Place, Sydney NSW 2000 or email recruitment@ccsu.nsw.gov.au

Closing Date 10 September 2004

9. NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre Job Vacancy: Principal Solicitor

The NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre is a specialist community legal centre established to assist people with disability to deal with discrimination. The Centre has been in operation since 1994. There is an opening for a Principal Solicitor. (Salary range $58,000 - $65,000 pa including salary packaging. 30-35 hours a week, negotiable)

The Principal Solicitor is responsible for overall management of the Centre and its legal practice. Duties include providing and overseeing legal advice and referral; strategic casework; legal and community education; legal policy analysis and advice; and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Essential Selection Criteria

• demonstrated high-level knowledge of disability rights and legal policy issues;
• demonstrated high-level skills in legal advice and referral;
• demonstrated high level litigation experience, in particular, in strategic matters;
• demonstrated high level negotiation skills;
• demonstrated high level capacity to manage timeframes and competing priorities;
• unrestricted practising certificate;
• computer literacy.

Desirable personal or family experience of disability.

DDLC is willing to consider job-share proposals and flexible work arrangements. People with disability and their associates, and people from an Aboriginal or culturally and linguistically diverse background are encouraged to apply. For an information package contact Alastair McEwin on (02) 9310 7722 or TTY (02) 9310 4320 or fax (02) 9310 7788 or email info@ddlcnsw.org.au.

Please note: this is a re-advertised position. Previous applicants need not apply.

Applications close 5pm Wednesday 1 September 2004.

10. Australian Communications Authority Survey

Judy Gorman writes that the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) is currently undertaking a review of Tesltra's Priority Assistance Arrangements to examine its efficiency and effectiveness. As part of the consultation process, the ACA is contacting consumer groups, disability organisations and stakeholders to seek comments on this issue.

This consultation process will include;

• a targeted survey aimed at priority assistance customers and their support;
• interviews with stakeholders;
• direct public submissions on Priority Assistance.

If you would like to participate, or have any experience with Priority Assistance, you are encouraged to complete the survey located at www.aca.gov.au/consumer_info/priority_survey.htm

Survey participants are asked to complete the survey anonymously and the ACA does not require nor seek any information about the type of medical condition a person may have. The closing date for submissions is 16 September 2004.

Further details on the Priority Assistance review are available from the ACA's website under the "What's New" section at www.aca.gov.au/consumer_info/priority_index.htm#latestnews

 

11. The PDCN Forum Moves To Yahoo

The PDCN Forum is an email list where people and ideas come together around issues of concern and interest to people with physical disability across NSW. We're not trying to re-invent the wheel here. PDCA and OzAdvocacy provide forums for national discussions, which we are part of.

The PDCN Forum is

• to share ideas;
• to debate issues;
• to formulate new strategic directions for disability policy;
• for people with physical disability in New South Wales, Australia;
• for others involved with the Physical Disability Council of NSW (our Management Committee, our Advocacy Network and close contacts) .

The PDCN Forum is

• about re-shaping the society in which we live;
• about making our society more accessible, more inclusive and better equipped;
• ensure that the rights of people with physical disability are met;
• in New South Wales, Australia.

The list is managed by Dougie Herd, PDCN Executive Officer and administered by our Project Officer, Craig Andrews.

TO JOIN see http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pdcnforum/

12. About The PDCN Bulletin

The PDCN BULLETIN is compiled by Dougie Herd (PDCN Executive Officer). The views expressed in the BULLETIN are not necessarily those of PDCN. If you wish to comment on the BULLETIN or submit a short article for inclusion please contact:

Dougie Herd
PDCN Executive Officer
St Helen's Community Centre
3/184 Glebe Point Road
Glebe NSW 2037
Email pdcnsw@pdcnsw.org.au
Tel (02) 9552 1606
Freecall 1800 688 831
Fax (02) 9552 4644

 

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Tuesday, 24th August 2004

©PDCN, Physical Disability Council of NSW • 184 Glebe Point Road, GLEBE NSW 2037 Australia
Phone (02) 9552 1606 • Fax (02) 9552 4644 • TollFree 1800 688 831 (within NSW) • TTY (02) 8223 7579
URL www.pdcnsw.org.au • Email pdcnsw@pdcnsw.org.au