Fletcher welcomes release of Productivity Commission’s Final Report into Disability Care and Support

The Coalition welcomes the public release of the Productivity Commission’s Final Report into Disability Care and Support Member for Bradfield, Mr Paul Fletcher MP, said today at a gathering of Bradfield community leaders and families hosted by the Association for Children with a Disability NSW.

“The Coalition considers that the Productivity Commission had conducted a thorough investigation into this important and growing public policy challenge – how to fairly support Australians with a disability,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Commission’s Final Report is an important step towards providing a better deal for Australians with disability, their carers and families. “

“The Coalition has long maintained that providing better support for people with disability should be core government business. The Commission’s Final Report affirms this view, stating that: “Funding of the scheme should be a core function of government”.

“Good budget management is key to providing decent disability support.  According to the Final Report, the unmet support needs of people with disability equates to an additional $6.5 billion annually. That is roughly equivalent to the Gillard Government’s current debt interest repayments.”

“Given this Government’s track record when it comes to the administration of ambitious reform programs, the Coalition remains concerned about the Government’s ability to deliver the complex reform needed in this critical area and will monitor its progress closely.”

“Governments must not use the prospect of a new national arrangement as a reason to stop investing in disability support in the meantime.”

“The Coalition will work constructively and closely to see disability reform implemented,” said Mr Fletcher.

Media Contact – Georgia-Kate Schubert 02 9465 3950 or 0414 210216