BRAIN INJURY NETWORK OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:00): Can the Minister for Disabilities inform the chamber of the importance of this year, 2012, for the Brain Injury Network of South Australia?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:00): I thank the honourable member for the question. Yes, I can and, yes, I will. Indeed, 2012 is an important year for the Brain Injury Network of South Australia, or BINSA as it is colloquially known to those who love it. BINSA has been involved in South Australia, lobbying the government on behalf of people living with an acquired brain injury for the last 20 years. This year, 2012, it is celebrating its platinum year.

Many people know that brain injuries are a complex and, ultimately, unique problem, unique to every individual. The brain is still a mysterious organ for scientists and doctors, and even neurospecialists worldwide would say that there is still a huge amount that we do not know. One injury to one person may be completely different in another yet, despite the difficulty this poses for service delivery and policy-making, BINSA has been at the forefront of increasing the awareness of acquired brain injuries amongst the wider South Australian community.

It is because of BINSA that we know brain injuries are a common disability. We also know that an estimated 500,000 people in Australia are living with a brain injury, the majority of which, of course, were acquired before the age of 25. BINSA's role is to primarily protect the rights of people with an acquired brain injury, but it is also to work collaboratively with people living with an ABI to build on their strengths and their self-confidence to ensure that they have equal and appropriate access to their community.

I think all of us in this chamber can agree that BINSA has been an excellent advocate for its community in this regard. BINSA was deeply involved in the Strong Voices report and was working closely with the federal government on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Because of this 20 years of excellent advocacy, on behalf of the South Australian government I want to wish BINSA all the best for its platinum year.