Media Release
Opposition
Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk says Disabilities Services Minister Tracy Davis has
refused to commit funding to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in
tonight’s Budget estimates hearing.
Ms Palaszczuk
said we have already heard Ms Davis say the funding of an NDIS was “not one of
my priorities” but now the Minister has gone one step further and refused to
commit any funding for a trial site in Queensland.
“This shows
the twisted priorities of this LNP Government which will spend $260,000 a year
on charter flights for the Deputy Premier but will not provide funding for some
of the most vulnerable Queenslanders and their carers to fund a NDIS trial site
in Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Similarly,
the LNP Government will spend $3.5 million for the planning of the new Executive
Building for the Premier and his Ministers, but the LNP won’t stump up for an
NDIS trial.
“This is a
disgracefully callous approach to a scheme which is designed to make life easier
for people who have or acquire a disability.
“The attitude
of the Newman Government means Queenslanders suddenly confronting such
circumstances will still need to run the gauntlet of the courts to secure any
compensation.
“Their
approach is enshrining high costs and uncertainty, as well as the distress they
cause to those who are injured, their families, and carers,” she
said.
Ms Palaszczuk
said as a former Minister for Disability Services I know many Queenslanders will
be disappointed at such a cold-hearted approach from the Newman
Government.
“Other state leaders
recognise an NDIS trial is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a real and
lasting difference in the lives of people with a disability, and the lives of
their families and carers,” she said.
“Queensland should not
be missing out – it is time for Premier Newman to step up with funding for a
NDIS trial.
“For Ms Davis
to simply rule out supporting the scheme is closing the door on some of the most
vulnerable people in our community.”
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