Media statement
For immediate release
Friday 5 September 2008
UnitedFuture welcomes disability report findings
UnitedFuture deputy leader Judy Turner has welcomed the release of the report from the Social Services Select Committee
on the committee’s inquiry into disability services.
“I believe there is an unacceptable gap between policy and practice in many service areas, so I am glad that the Select
Committee report has addressed this issue,” said Mrs Turner.
“The report contains some very strong and clear recommendations that include greater collaboration and accountability
across the 11 funding pots that people in this sector rely upon so that they can enjoy full participation in New Zealand
society.
“Another strong recommendation is one geared at local solutions to support needs and makes clear that New Zealand should
establish local community based one-stop-shop advocacy offices similar to the system proving to be very successful in
Western Australia.
“Families supporting disabled members made it very clear during the inquiry that the most exhausting aspect of their
commitment is the huge amount of time and energy spent researching what support they can access and then applying for
those services.
“18% of New Zealanders have a disability needing some level of support and this inquiry has been an excellent
opportunity for Parliament to comprehensively scrutinise the gaps that exist between policy and practise.”
“Of ongoing concern is that without such inquiries there remains no clear mechanism to monitor future progress towards
the goals of the NZ Disability Strategy, which is why UnitedFuture will seek to establish and fund a Disability
Commission to be accountable for the full implementation of the strategy,” said Mrs Turner.
UnitedFuture’s comprehensive disability policy is available at http://www.unitedfuture.org.nz/default,876,disability_.sm
ENDS