Government malaise on disability equipment to be examined by Inquiry - 30 June 2008

Upper House Greens MP, Ian Cohen applauds the announcement by Liberal MP Robyn Parker of an Inquiry into the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP). The program provides equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility aids, improved wheelchair seating, computer assisted communication devices, custom made shoes and hoists and slings to people with disabilities.

“On repeated occasions I have presented the Government with evidence that without a modest funding increase, people with disabilities will be subject to unnecessary waiting periods, significantly reducing their quality of life and physical health” said Mr Cohen.

In May, Mr Cohen moved a motion in the Upper House requesting that urgent funding, to the sum of $5 million, be injected into PADP to alleviate the dire impacts on people with disabilities denied access to essential equipment such as wheelchairs, mobility aids and communication technology aids.

The motion passed the House unopposed, yet the Labor Government appears to have ignored the motion.

“I have asked the Treasurer on two occasions to reconsider the funding priorities in the Health portfolio to ensure the human rights of NSW people with disabilities are respected, but the matter fell on deaf ears with no reprieve in the 2008-09 State Budget” says Mr Cohen.

Earlier this month Mr Cohen delivered a dossier in the Parliament on the human cost of PADP funding inequity. The six case studies presented by Mr Cohen only scratched the surface of Program failures.

“There are people waiting more than 18 months for the provision of basic equipment which would allow the recipient to participate in society and secure employment,” say Mr Cohen.

“With an ageing population in NSW, demand for the program will increase. It is disappointing that the Government has trampled on the fundamental human rights of people living with disabilities by failing to adequately fund PADP,” says Mr Cohen.

Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466 or Nic Clyde on 0417 742 754
See also Mr Cohen’s Adjournment speech on PADP from 17th June, 2008:
http://bulletin/prod/parlment/hansArt.nsf/V3Key/LC20080617060