Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, First Session (53-1)
2014-12-03 Daily Xml

Contents

Answers to Questions

Disability Unmet Need

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (8 May 2014).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Business Services and Consumers): The Minister for Disabilities has advised:

1. Reported unmet need represents the additional services that clients would ideally receive. The vast majority of clients who have an episode of unmet need recorded are already in receipt of some level of funded supports.

The South Australian Government recognises the demand pressures on disability services and will continue to work consistently and constructively to address unmet need.

2. State government expenditure on disability services has increased from $124.4 million in 2002-03 to a budgeted $421.3 million (excluding 'Other NDIS' expenditure) in 2013-14. The South Australian Government has provided injections of funds over the last couple years, to assist people with disability requiring a range of accommodation support, community support, community access and respite services. In particular:

a. The 2012-13 Budget provided an additional $212.5 million over 5 years.

b. The 2013-14 Budget provided an additional $107.8 million over 5 years.

3. The South Australian Government has strongly supported the establishment of the NDIS and is committed to the full implementation of the NDIS from 2018, for all people with disability under the age of 65.

4. No, I do not agree.

5. No. The South Australian Government has demonstrated significant commitment to doing all within its capacity to protect and promote the rights of people with disability, in line with UN Convention.