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Coote Urges Investigation Into Relinquished ChildrenThe Bracks Government must release figures that show how many Victorian parents are being forced to surrender children with disabilities to emergency respite. By Emily Broadbent - 23rd July 2007 - Back to News Shadow Minister for Disabilities Andrea Coote said the Government’s lack of financial support for disabilities is placing many Victorians in the heart-wrenching position of having to relinquish their loved ones to an under-funded, over-worked health system.
Mrs Coote demanded answers from Community Services Minister Gavan Jennings after hearing the plight of the Radford family of Traralgon.
Ian and Jenny Radford are struggling to care for their twin 24-year-old daughters, because the Government’s lack of funding meant they can no longer afford to look after them.
"This is yet another example of the Bracks Government being all talk, but out of touch with reality, and the struggle of Victorians," Mrs Coote said.
"The Government must release figures and show that it is aware of the problem."
Mrs Coote, who was in regional Victoria last week visiting community support service Outlook, said the Bracks Government was out of touch and did not understand the struggle people with disabilities and their families endured.
This Bracks Government should stop congratulating itself with overseas trips and helicopter tours, and roll up its sleeves up and get out there for Victorian families.
"Taxpayer money should be urgently channeled to families in need, not ski trips, European luncheons and exorbitant advertising campaigns."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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