Federal funding welcomed for people with disabilities

The State Government has secured $88.4million in Federal funding to assist people with disabilities, their families and carers in Western Australia.

Disability Services Minister Sheila McHale welcomed the funding, which would address much-needed accommodation and respite support in WA.

“Coupled with the increased efforts of the Carpenter Government, this substantial funding will help more than 2,000 people with disabilities and their families with accommodation support, respite and family support, over the next four years,” Ms McHale said.

“The agreement is a major step forward for WA’s disability sector in addressing unmet need.  However, all Federal and State Ministers acknowledge that more needs to be done.”

The Minister said the funding would flow into the community immediately.

“The new funding will be allocated to people with disabilities and families through the Combined Application Process (CAP) and other initiatives,” she said.

Ms McHale said the State Government was committed to improving the situation for people with disabilities and had provided additional support in the 2008-09 State Budget.

“Since the State Labor Government took office in 2000-01, we have doubled the recurrent level of State funding for people with disabilities,” she said.