A Hodgman Liberal Government understands that action is needed now to provide real change for people with disabilities, and their families and carers.
The Liberals have committed over $28 million to deliver new and expanded services that will make a significant difference to people’s lives.
The funding includes $5 million to begin an innovative new direct funding model Your Care, Your Choice to allow people with disabilities, their families and carers, to arrange the supports they require based on their individual circumstances.
In particular, mothers with children with disabilities have specifically told the Liberals this is the model they want to see adopted in Tasmania, because this program is flexible, individual and will make a real difference to their everyday lives.
They have also told us they need more respite options, and we have committed $6.1 million to significantly increase the range of respite available for families caring for people with disabilities in this State.
Unless regular respite can be provided, there is a real risk of families falling into crisis.
We have also provided $3 million for a no-interest loans scheme so that people with disabilities, families and carers can access funding for motor vehicle modifications or purchase, and home renovations.
Mr Whiteley said:
The Liberals’ funding also includes $3 million in additional funding for existing service providers.
We acknowledge there has been funding shortfalls under a State Labor Government, and providers are struggling to meet their service obligations.
Additional funding is needed to meet these shortfalls, and to meet the additional needs of elderly people in residential services who wish to ‘retire’ from attending day support services but are currently unable to do so.
A Hodgman Liberal Government also commits to providing more funding for National Disability Services as the peak body in a partnership to further research into unmet need, ensuring a disability workforce for the future and helping the public sector and business maximize employment for people with disabilities in the State.
The Liberals also begin, with the Brain Injury Association of Tasmania, the overdue process of developing a five-year, whole-of-government strategic plan for Acquired Brain Injury in Tasmania, with $95,000 to determine future services, support and resourcing.
This policy, combined with already announced policy for autism, the A-team, funding for Special Schools and a $4.5 million injection into the Community Equipment Scheme, for equipment, aids and technology, for people with disabilities, shows the Liberals are the only party at this election prepared to stand up for people with disabilities in Tasmania.
And only the Liberals will ensure real change for them, their families and carers.
I would like to see a specialneeds kids park/playground in the North,East and West just as Margate has built and I credit the Margate council on such a move,this is a credit to you.The ONLY specialneeds playground in Tasmania,we need more so our special angels who don’t understand boundaries and danger can have a safe place to play and get out of the house/hospital and their own locked in safe backyards.
I voted Liberal today as it does seem to be the only party concerned with our specialneeds and their carers/guardians.