Presented by Robert Clark MP		www.robertclark.net

Disability Services, Housing cuts under ALP policy

The ALP's policy on disability would mean a fifty per cent drop in growth funding for Victoria's disability services, and a reduction in 7500 public houses earmarked for people with a disability, according to the Minister for Community Services, Denis Napthine.

"Their growth funding averages $19 million a year for four years: $10 million less than the $28 million extra the Coalition has delivered each year in average growth over seven years.

Disability funding has increased from just $298 million in 1992 to $572 million this year.

Labor has committed itself to reserving 5% of public housing stock for people with disabilities. Prior to 1992, no public housing was set aside for this purpose. Now, under the Kennett Government, 17% of public housing accommodates people with a disability.

Dr Napthine said he was concerned at Labor’s promise to abolish open competitive tendering as a means of selecting the best service providers.

"Labor’s alternative is government entering into cosy deals with favored agencies, a practice which is deeply embedded in Labor culture," Dr Napthine said.

"The aim of competitive tendering is to get the best deal for service recipients and taxpayers, not the best deal for favoured agencies."

Dr Napthine said the Coalition Government had developed very successful partnerships with the non-government sector.

"Unlike Labor, our policies have intentionally favoured non-government agencies because we believe they are better than government at providing care and support."

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Youth and Community Services, 30 August 1999)