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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-07-01 Daily Xml
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BARKUMA

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:51): My question is to the Minister for Disability. How are the state and federal governments working to improve facilities for people with disabilities at Barkuma?

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Families and Communities, Minister for Housing, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Disability) (14:51): I thank the member for Torrens for her question and put on record that she has been a very strong advocate for services for people with disabilities here in South Australia. Barkuma is a fantastic not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of services to assist people with disabilities to live and work in our community. It was established in 1967 by a group of parents in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Barkuma has grown to employ more than 140 staff across metropolitan Adelaide. Barkuma also provides valuable services to over 1,000 people with disabilities here in South Australia, making it one of our largest disability organisations.

In recent times, the Rann government has been working with Barkuma to address a number of structural issues at the SAPAC facility at Campbelltown. Back in January, the Rann government gifted to Barkuma a $1.05 million parcel of land that houses the SAPAC facility. On top of this, a further $200,000 was provided by the state government to assist with renovations. This morning, federal Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon. Bill Shorten, visited Barkuma's SAPAC factory. I am delighted to advise the house that the federal Labor government has committed to providing $700,000 for the refurbishment of the SAPAC factory. With this additional commonwealth support, the facility will grow and provide better opportunities for workers with a disability.

SAPAC provides a supported work environment for over 60 people with an intellectual disability, giving them the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence and to experience—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: —the increased self-esteem associated with earning a wage. As well as providing supported employment options, Barkuma offers employees a wide range of vocational and personal development training, including accredited TAFE courses that result in nationally recognised qualifications. These improvements mark an excellent example of the two governments working together to make a difference in the lives of South Australians with a disability. I agree—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: That you were going to fix.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Ms Chapman interjecting:

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: That you were going to fix with a lousy $10 million over four years. That was your total commitment. Your face should be as red as your jacket, and we know that you need that flashing heart, because there sure isn't one beating under your jacket.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. P.F. CONLON: Point of order. The air seems to be going out of the member for Schubert.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: If only $10 million over four years, as promised by the Liberal Party, would fix all of the pressures in the disability sector. If only. What a joke!

I agree with the comment made by Bill Shorten this morning, that a lack of work opportunities is one of the main barriers that stops people with a disability fully participating in our society. However, Barkuma is not alone in South Australia in providing excellent employment opportunities for people with a disability through Australian Disability Enterprises. Organisations such as Bedford, Minda, Orana, Phoenix and regional employers like Barossa Enterprises do a wonderful job and employ nearly 3,000 people.

I encourage companies to get behind the products or services provided by these organisations. They not only offer outstanding quality but also promote equality for people with a disability. It is fair to say that this is a truly inspiring sector and I am always amazed by the innovation, flair and dedication that the staff at all levels put into their work and the great pride that the employees put into their work as well.

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