The desperate need for more supported accommodation places across the Gippsland region has been raised in Parliament this week by the Nationals Upper House leader Peter Hall. Mr Hall has called on the Labor Government to explain why they have failed to create any new accommodation places with the State’s $25 million share of Commonwealth funding in 2009 given specifically to expand supported accommodation places.
Mr Hall quoted comments from local mental illness advocacy group Barrier Breakers who claim there are 100 fewer beds for people with mental illness today than the region had in the decade 1966 to 1976. He also reminded the Government of the 300 or so people in Gippsland with disabilities and special needs that lingered on the waiting list for supported accommodation, with more than half of these in the urgent or high-need category.
“We have many ageing parents caring for their adult children and are terribly worried about how their children will be cared for when they are no longer able to undertake this task,” Mr Hall said.
“We also have many parents struggling to balance the needs of caring for children with disability and providing for other family members without a disability.”
“These people are committed to a life of caring and deserve every support that Government can provide. The fact that Victoria was allocated $25 million to provide up to 70 new supported accommodation places and has not yet created one new place is a disgrace,” Mr Hall said.
Mr Hall called on the Premier to explain why no action has been taken on this matter and why Victorian families most in need have been neglected.
Media Contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066
