Answers to Questions

DISABILITY, UNMET NEEDS

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (10 February 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises): The Minister for Disability has advised that:

1. The December 2010 unmet needs data will be published shortly. It is worth noting that this information is not instantly available on January 1. It takes several weeks to compile, with appropriate due diligence to follow.

No meaningful comparison of this data with other states and territories is possible. Only some jurisdictions record some form of unmet need data, but not in any consistent fashion.

2. The Disability Blueprint is being prepared by the Social Inclusion Unit and is expected to be completed in July 2011.

The Blueprint will set a future direction for the way people with a disability, their families and carers are supported in South Australia.

The Rann Government believes South Australians with a disability should be included in all aspects of community life. We know there are many barriers in our community that can make life more difficult for people with disability. Removing these barriers will be the focus of this work.

In developing the Blueprint, current laws, programs, policies and services across government will be looked at to understand where opportunities for improvement exist. This is being done through extensive consultation with the South Australian community.

This will help the Social Inclusion Unit recommend changes to the Government where they are needed most and deliver a plan that activates the citizenship rights of people with disability, their families and carers.

3. Since coming into office, the Rann Government has increased State disability funding by 93 percent, from $135.4 million into 2002-03 to $261.3 million in 2009-10.

In that time, the number of clients to receive support has grown by over 5,000 to 20,145. As part of the 2010-11 State Budget, $70.9 million over 4 years was committed to Disability SA.

The Government is also delivering its Disability related promises made for the 2010 election. This includes:

$1 million recurring to support students with a disability in the independent school sector;

$1 million recurring for increases assessments and access to Autism Services;

$17.5 million extra for disability equipment;

Six new special education units; and

$3.5 million a year to assist South Australians with a disability to leave hospital.

This compares to the Liberal's promise of an uncosted Autism Specific Super School and $2.5 million a year for unmet need.