SUPPORTED RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

Mr KENYON (Newland) (14:32): My question is to the Minister for Disability. How is the supported residential facilities sector working to raise the standard of care for residents?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:32): Since becoming the Minister for Disability I have had the privilege of working very closely with the Supported Residential Facilities Association, in particular the current chair Alistair Armstrong, the deputy chair Shaunee Fox and the previous chair Andrew Marshall, to not only improve the industry's sustainability but also lift the standards of the sector for the benefit of residents.

The state government now makes a significant investment in this sector. We now inject more than $9 million a year through direct subsidies and programs to support residents. We do this because we recognise that the SRF sector is a key option in the range of supported accommodation available for people either facing homelessness or for whom living at home independently is difficult.

In response to the Rann government's focus on ensuring a level of viability for the privately owned facilities, the SRF association has committed to lifting the quality and standards of the sector. It is often said that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. This could not ring more true than what was celebrated last night. Last night marked a very special occasion when 42 employees of the supported residential facilities sector attended a ceremony to celebrate their graduation in either Certificate III or Certificate IV in Disability Work.

This significant event was held at Tauondi College, Port Adelaide, which has been instrumental in providing the training to make this a reality. While I could not be there, I want to take this opportunity to thank the SRF association for their commitment to lifting the standards of the services that are being provided and commend the employees for their hard work in returning to study. I congratulate those people who committed themselves to undertaking nine months of study, doing so while working. This is no easy task, and I know that it meant a great deal of personal sacrifice.

Undertaking this was a selfless move and one of which I am very appreciative. We know that residents of SRFs experience a range of disabilities, often with more than one problem, creating challenges for the staff who care for them. The study undertaken by these employees will give them a better and broader understanding of and insight into residents' behaviours, and ultimately will be an investment in their wellbeing and future.

I have no doubt that the knowledge gained will also give these graduates even greater confidence in caring for residents and further build on the positive relationships they have already formed. These graduates are now the role models for the sector, and I am confident that we will see more staff taking up this challenge in the future. I want just to conclude by extending my appreciation again to the SRF Association for leading the push to increase the qualifications of the people working in the sector and to give special mention to Tauondi College for making it all happen.