27/7/05
An historic agreement between the Western Australian, Northern Territory and South Australian Governments will improve the delivery of disability services to central Australian inhabitants.
WA Disability Services Minister Bob Kucera said the Tri-State Disability Strategic Framework provided for co-operation between three governments for disability services to the people from the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara (NPY) lands.
“This agreement means we will have a co-ordinated approach that will ensure there is improved disability services for people in the region over the next four years,” Mr Kucera said.
The NPY lands cover 350,000sq.km across WA, South Australia and the Northern Territory. About 6,000 people live in the region in more than 20 communities.
The Minister said the agreement came from today’s meeting in Alice Springs of State, Territory and Federal Disability Services Ministers.
“The three governments acknowledge an enduring cultural, social, economic and family link between indigenous people of the NPY lands and that State and Territory borders should not act as a barrier to accessing disability services,” he said.
“We estimate there are more than 200 people in the region that need varying levels of support through disability services.
“The total number of people with disabilities is possibly higher given the level of social problems involving petrol sniffing, alcohol, trauma and mental health issues within these communities.
“The tri-state framework shows how committed we are to working together to make sure communities in this remote area do not miss out on the services and support they need to help people with a disability from taking part in their community.”
Minister's office: 9213 7000
