Media statement
For immediate release
Friday 5 September 2008

UnitedFuture welcomes disability report findings

UnitedFuture deputy leader Judy Turner has welcomed the release of the report from the Social Services Select Committee on the committee’s inquiry into disability services.

“I believe there is an unacceptable gap between policy and practice in many service areas, so I am glad that the Select Committee report has addressed this issue,” said Mrs Turner.

“The report contains some very strong and clear recommendations that include greater collaboration and accountability across the 11 funding pots that people in this sector rely upon so that they can enjoy full participation in New Zealand society.

“Another strong recommendation is one geared at local solutions to support needs and makes clear that New Zealand should establish local community based one-stop-shop advocacy offices similar to the system proving to be very successful in Western Australia.

“Families supporting disabled members made it very clear during the inquiry that the most exhausting aspect of their commitment is the huge amount of time and energy spent researching what support they can access and then applying for those services.

“18% of New Zealanders have a disability needing some level of support and this inquiry has been an excellent opportunity for Parliament to comprehensively scrutinise the gaps that exist between policy and practise.”

“Of ongoing concern is that without such inquiries there remains no clear mechanism to monitor future progress towards the goals of the NZ Disability Strategy, which is why UnitedFuture will seek to establish and fund a Disability Commission to be accountable for the full implementation of the strategy,” said Mrs Turner.

UnitedFuture’s comprehensive disability policy is available at http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/default,876,disability_.sm

ENDS

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