DISABILITY SERVICES

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (6 July 2011) (First Session).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I am advised:

1. As at 30 June 2011 3.8 per cent of people on the unmet needs list identify themselves as Indigenous Australians. It is not possible to disaggregate those who live in Aboriginal communities.

2. Community and Home Support SA employs six Aboriginal Cultural Advisors/Service Coordinators in its Disability Services division. These staff work with Disability Services staff and mainstream disability services to administer culturally appropriate programs to Indigenous people. Other disability workers are located at Marla Bore and on the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands.

In July 2005, the Tri-State Disability Strategic Framework, tjulngula (we are together), commenced. By endorsing this historic Framework, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory agreed to a cooperative approach in the delivery of quality disability services to the Ngannyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands in central Australia. The framework aims to ensure State and Territory borders are not an impediment to accessing disability services. Policies and methods are being developed on an ongoing basis with acknowledgement of the cultural, social, economic and family links between Indigenous people on the NPY Lands.

3. Clinicians visit the Lands regularly to prescribe equipment and aids to meet individual needs, as well as home modifications if required. It is expected that wheelchair prescriptions will often be for items that are normally not provided by the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion's Equipment Program. This may include powered wheelchairs with larger wheels and more powerful motors for the rugged environment. The policy supports the provision of such items where there is a clinical need.

The effectiveness of equipment is continuously evaluated by clinicians, who seek feedback both from users and local health and disability support workers. They work closely with clinicians at the Alice Springs Hospital and the Alice Springs Seating, Equipment and Assessment Team Clinic to share information about equipment that is most suited to people living in the remote areas of central Australia.

The clinicians keep up-to-date with new products, and are involved in evaluating and recommending changes to equipment.

4. This Government recognises and values the contribution of all carers. The SA Carers Recognition Act 2005 was enacted to formally acknowledge that carers have rights.

The Act is supported by:

the SA Carers Policy, which was developed through consultation with carers and other interested parties. It draws on research specific to South Australian carers; interstate and overseas experiences; and background papers on children and young people as carers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers; and

the Carers Charter, which includes in its principles that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers:

need specific consideration;

should be specifically identified and supported within and outside of their Communities;

should be supported by business and community organisations, public institutions and all levels of government; and

should be provided with culturally appropriate support services that take into account the history, health and wellbeing of their extended families.

Under the tjulngula framework, the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council (NPYWC) provides services to approximately 105 people. Approximately nine people with high support needs whose carers are in need of a well earned break receive two weeks respite care every three to four months.