Disability Advocacy Funding: Question to the Premier

With Disability Advocacy organisations facing devastating budget cuts under the NDIS rollout, we asked a question of the Premier in Parliament.

DISABILITY ADVOCACY FUNDING

Ms JENNY LEONG ( Newtown ) ( 15:08 ): I direct a question to the Premier. Given that the cuts to disability advocacy funding in New South Wales will wipe out an estimated 50 organisations, will the Premier commit to meeting with disability advocacy representatives to discuss reversing the $13 million cut so they can continue their vital work?

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIA N ( Willoughby—Premier) (15:09): I thank the member for Newtown for asking this question on an important issue because it gives me the opportunity to put the facts on the record. The Minister for Disability Services has the facts in his head, so if I incorrectly state anything he will let me know during the course of my address.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Gosford will come to order.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Five years ago, due to the great work of the then Premier and then Minister for Disability Services, New South Wales was the first State to sign up to the National Disability Insurance Scheme [NDIS]. At the time, the Opposition supported the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Port Stephens will not correct the pronunciation of other members.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: Will members respect the member for Newtown's question and allow me to answer?

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Swansea will come to order. The member can leave the Chamber if she does not want to be here.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: From memory, disability advocacy groups in New South Wales receive between $10 million and $13 million support from the New South Wales Government. During part of the transition the Federal Government has set up a $130 million fund for advocacy, of which New South Wales will get a huge share. We are one‑third of the nation.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bankstown will cease interjecting.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: I predict that New South Wales disability advocacy groups will be in the running to access more funding than has ever been received in the history of this State. Anyone who knows a family who supports someone with a disability understands how stressful it is.

Ms Jenny Leong: Point of order—

The SPEAKER: The Premier is being relevant to the question she was asked. The interjections may have prevented the member for Newtown from hearing the answer.

Ms Jenny Leong: My point of order is relevance. I asked if the Premier would meet with representatives.

The SPEAKER: That was part of your question. I am sure the Premier will answer that part. There is no point of order.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: The question makes the assumption that I have not already spoken and written to people. The member for Newtown asked a question and I am responding by saying that the Government cares deeply about anybody supporting someone with a disability in New South Wales. As the then transport Minister, I recall each portfolio gave up funding towards the transition to the NDIS. The Government signed up because it appreciated its importance. In relation to independence, support or advocacy, New South Wales people will be better off. One thing I have noticed about the Opposition is that it does not let the facts get in the way.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Maitland will come to order.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: The Opposition would rather cause stress for those most vulnerable in the community than tell them the truth.

The SPEAKER: Order! The member for Bankstown will come to order or she will be removed from the Chamber.

Ms Jenny Aitchison: Point of order—

Ms Jenny Leong: Point of order—

The SPEAKER: Does the member for Newtown have a point of order?

Ms Jenny Aitchison: My point of order is Standing Order 129.

The SPEAKER: The member for Maitland will resume her seat. The member for Newtown has precedence as she asked the question.

Ms Jenny Leong: My point of order is relevance. I asked the Premier if she would meet with disability advocacy representatives. Only 10 per cent of people living with disabilities are eligible for the NDIS.

The SPEAKER: I am sure the Premier understands that. The member for Swansea will cease interjecting.

Ms GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN: This Government does not have a strong economy and budget for the sake of it, it is to care for those most vulnerable. This Government will care for them. [Time expired.]