Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Disability services budget grows to $572m

The Victorian Government has committed an extra $44 million to people with disabilities in this year’s Budget: an increase of 8.2% over last year.

From a budget of $528 million last year, the new disability services program budget is $572 million.

Almost $5 million will provide 88 more accommodation and day-activity places on top of the $7 million that will flow into the disability budget in 1999/2000 to create more than 280 places.

In addition, another 85 people will be assisted through the Making a Difference program.

The Victorian Government will provide $300,000 more for case management and behavior intervention services.

A further $2.7 million will provide day-care services and training facilities for school-leavers aged 18 years and above with disabilities.

In total, an additional $9.4 million will go to the Futures for Young Adults program this financial year, bringing its overall funding to $39.6 million.

A $1.3-million program is underway to relocate Milparinka adult training and support services centre from Parkville to a new, permanent premises by late this year.

The new centre will cater for people with disabilities from Melbourne’s inner western suburbs needing day activities.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Youth and Community Services, May 6, 1999)