The State Government must act urgently to ensure all Tasmanians with a disability have continued access to services and support.
Shadow Minister for Disability Jo Siejka said a big proportion of Tasmanian services providing support to people who are not eligible for the NDIS have missed out on Federal grant funding.
“Short-term extension funding was provided by the State Government while organisations waited to see if their grant funding applications succeeded. With that door closed, they face an uncertain future, and none of them have been offered further extension funding.
“Tasmania has the highest proportion of people living with a disability – one in five people. And there are as many as 80,000 Tasmanians with a disability who aren’t eligible for the NDIS now facing gaps in mainstream services.
“That includes people with significant disabilities such as brain injury or psycho-social conditions, and young children who are waiting to be assessed for the NDIS.
“These Tasmanians will have nowhere to go for services and support.”
Ms Siejka said the new minister Jeremy Rockliff must act urgently to put support services on a sustainable footing.
“The state government has a clear responsibility under a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government to support Tasmanians who aren’t eligible for NDIS support.
“Yet there’s no sign of the Liberals taking those obligations seriously.
“The forward estimates show there’s just $21 million allocated to support Tasmanians who aren’t eligible for NDIS support. That works out at just $262.50 per person, per year.
“With the newly announced cuts of $39 million to the Department of Communities, Jeremy Rockliff must explain how he intends to provide better support for these people, and put disability services on a sustainable footing.”
Jo Siejka
Shadow Minister for Disability
