8 weeks is a long time in politics. Mal "tough" Brough said on 9th February 2007.

"What I have said to the states is there will be no more money, no additional money". He then threatened to walk out of discussions with the states.
http://abc.net.au/news/items/200702/1844201.htm?queensland

Today he states.

"he was willing to put up the cash but the ministers refused to tell him how they would spend it."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200704/s1888641.htm

Guess what it was the state ministers who walked out.

Where did the federal govt. suddenly find $2 billion in additional funding for disability services?

Is there an election around the corner? Maybe this is an example of why we need the same party in power in all states and federally.

The problem in these services is like that in Mental Health and Unemployment Servicing.

It is all about AUTOMATED DATA PROCESSING.

There is no HUMAN FACE in the system.

No opportunity for engagement at GRASSROOT LEVELS.

See my note on the unemployed discussion above.

We have a disadvantaged consumer population invisblised, and NO consumer forum (at all) in Cape York.

We are being alienated by the non-productivity of services themselves.

We are being made DISABLE by the PROCESS of non-engagement.

They are not interested in SOLVING PROBLEMS, building capacity, dealing with people inside the community who could, with a bit of support, become empowered to help solve problems themselves.

We have no RESOURCES - ACTIVITIES - NETWORK - PATHWAY DEVELOPMENT!

Worse we have fly in officials too busy to talk past the introduction stage. These people have no committment and NO DEPTH.

We need a NO WRONG DOOR POLICY.

IT IS SHAMEFUL AUSTRALIA.

http://www.miacat.com/

I am interested in working with anyone who could help make a difference.

This situation must be exposed. It must STOP!

If the government is not spending money on disability. Then what is the government spending money on? And what is the point of a welfare state (with the taxation system associated).

Steve

This is a good post and it could be stretched to include in home care for the elderly also.

The Federal Government send the publics funds to the State Government to allow services for the people who need it the most.

It used to work out around$27.78. daily for each client in need of care. Its probably more like thirty something now.
These funds are for disabilty and aged care people living at home.
ok not a lot of money but for around $15.00 dollars an hour you can engage companies and private people looking for part time work.

That would give these people around two hours a day of home care
A far cry from the miserable one and a half to five hours max they receive now. On top of that they bite these penshoners for another thirty five to fity five dollars to receive the service.
These funds should be allocated either direct to a chosen domestic provider by the federal government instead of passing the money to the State Governments.
By passing it to them it creates jobs for the boys and girls sure but much needed funds for those who require help the most are gobbled up.
The State Government then send out packages to Chosen providers that are mostly Church based nursing homes or Church related in some way.
Then The people with disabilitys are lucky to get and hour to four hours a week instead of two hours a day!if we added up that money for each client per week it comes to just over five hundred dollars a fortnight.
I say give the five hundred dollars and create some live in part time carers through the cares centle link department.

That allows people far more dignity and they stay intheir own home longer.
The part time workers all pay tax which is good for Australia.
Its a win win especially for the disabilty clients and elderly.

Thank You Steve for raising this very important issue .