CARERS' WAGES

The Hon. S.G. WADE (14:28): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Disabilities a question relating to carers' wages.

Leave granted.

The Hon. S.G. WADE: The opposition has recently been approached by a constituent who highlights that the cost of her autistic daughter's day options has increased by $6,912 due to the decision made by Fair Work Australia in February this year to increase the wages of carers. I understand the family wrote to the minister on 21 September and again yesterday to outline its concerns. My questions to the minister are:

1. How much does the government estimate the Fair Work Australia decision will add to the cost of state government funded services?

2. Will the government provide additional funding to people with disability or service providers to cover the cost of the Fair Work Australia decision so the level of services provided to people with disability does not diminish?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:29): I thank the honourable member for his most important question and his ongoing interest in this area. I will take the questions to the minister responsible for these issues, which is the Treasurer, and bring back a response.