Daily Living Disability Services
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:32): (1290) My question is to the Minister for Disability. Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon closed its doors amid media reports of massive debt and alleged insolvent trading. This has left 60 families who have been accessing the services at this facility in complete disarray. Minister, what steps have you taken to support this community?
Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:32): I thank Ms Bath for her question. The pricing for disability services and those services in particular that are offered as part of the NDIS remains a matter for the Commonwealth. I do not have at hand the particular finance situation around the services that Ms Bath is referring to, but what I will say is that the Victorian government on numerous occasions and through my advocacy, both at the Disability Reform Ministers Council and to the minister for the NDIS, continue to have a conversation around what is fair pricing for disability services to ensure that people who are accessing particular services as part of their NDIS plans are getting the supports that they need in their plans that meet the costs of the services that they require. This is an ongoing conversation with the Commonwealth, but ultimately fair pricing for disability services accessed by participants under the NDIS remains a matter for the Commonwealth government.
Melina BATH (Eastern Victoria) (12:34): I appreciate your response. My particular question was around supporting this community. You will understand that this has caused complete chaos for some families, with work disruptions to parents and siblings who are now caring for their loved ones who were previously engaged in day programs. Minister, will you undertake to have your department contact each of these approximately 60 families individually to offer respite and other required supports in the short term?