Greens MP and disabilities spokesperson Ian Cohen today welcomed the release of the long-awaited independent review of the Program of Appliances for Disabled People (PADP).
The role of PADP is to assist eligible people who have a permanent or long-term disability to live and participate in the community by providing appropriate equipment, aids and appliances.
“I am pleased that the NSW government has finally released the report by PricewaterhouseCoopers, as a result of my call for papers in Parliament 2 weeks ago. It is a shame that the government had to be forced into releasing the report, which it has sat on since June 2006.” Mr Cohen said.
“The disability community feels that the PADP is under-funded, inequitable, maintains long waiting lists and is not meeting is central aims. There is a huge unmet need in this area and charities are often left to pick up where the government has failed. I have heard of instances of children receiving equipment they have outgrown, because they have been waiting so long.
“It’s great that the report calls for an increase in funding to the PADP. I hope that the review will be a starting point for better resourcing and administration of the program.
“I will continue working with the disability sector to ensure that this important program, which makes a huge difference to the quality of lives of people with disabilities, gets the attention and funding it deserves.” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Ian Cohen: 0409 989 466
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