Greens support ALP disability funding breakthrough - 15 July 2008

Upper House Greens MP, Ian Cohen applauds the announcement by Reba Meagher, Minister for Health and Federal Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot of a one-off funding boost of $11m made to 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.

“The one-off funding injection of $11 million dollars is a significant step forward in redressing the serious needs of PADP clients on equipment waiting lists. The increased funding will fast track the provision of equipment, allowing NSW people with disabilities to participate in everyday activities. Minister Meagher should be congratulated for securing State and Commonwealth funding for the program,” said Greens MP Ian 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 Health Minister has shown that she is listening to concerns of the disability sector and has successfully delivered a funding increase to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

“I have been a very vocal critic of the funding arrangements for PADP and repeatedly demanded action from Treasurer Michael Costa both within and outside the Parliament - to recognise the human rights implications of insufficient and inadequate funding for the scheme.

“The funding increase will build the foundation for continual improvement of a scheme so fundamentally important for the social inclusion, workplace participation and standard of living of people with disabilities.

“With an ageing population, demand for PADP is projected to increase significantly. It is critical that funding arrangements are continually reviewed to ensure core rights - as enunciated in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - which the Federal Government has not yet ratified, are respected and acknowledged,” said Mr Cohen.