Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP
Victorians will have no confidence for disability sector as confused minister offers no clarity on incorrect budget allocation
Victorians with a disability got little explanation today for a $15 million "error" in the state budget papers that saw funding "incorrectly allocated" to the wrong portfolio area.
In a bumbling and confused appearance at the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee (PAEC) today, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Anthony Carbines showed he is not across the detail of his portfolios. This included a savage 50 per cent cut to the Office for Disability, which indicated funding of $15.4 million in 2021-22 will be decreased to just $7.8 million in 2022-23 (Service Delivery Budget Paper, p 197).
Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull said the Minister's bumbling response was no confidence for the disability sector
Minister has no explanation
The Office provides crucial support in disability advocacy and community outcomes. Questioned today at PAEC, the Minister could not provide an explanation, before eventually blaming a "mistake in the budget papers" that "incorrectly allocated [funds] to disability services in error".
Mr Bull said, "If this is nothing more than an accounting error, as the Minister suggests, why didn't he come clean with the sector as soon as he realised the mistake? Why keep it secret until he was pushed for a response? It is no comfort for the sector that the Minister in charge of leading it into the future clearly doesn't care or isn't up to the job." Mr Bull said.
Blank, with no knowledge
The next topic was the budget reference to the reduction of 103 pension-level beds in Supported Residential Services (SRS). When asked about the details of this, including for the location of the beds that will no longer be funded, the Minister was blank, with no knowledge of it at all, simply stating - again after a long pause and more paper shuffling - "we will have to get back to you on that".
Finally, the Minister was asked about the reference to 38 'new' aged care beds in Orbost and whether this was 38 new beds, in addition to the 38 existing beds, or whether it was simply a refurbishment of the existing 38 beds.
Relying on the sector for support
His response that these were new beds, in addition to the existing beds (meaning 76 in total), is at complete odds with the local health service, with Orbost Regional Health confirming it is simply a refurbishment and new layout for the existing 38 beds.
"These were not difficult questions and ones the Minister should have anticipated. That he had no idea in relation to any would be of great concern to all Victorians who rely on the sector for support, for their loved ones and for all stakeholder groups in the Disability, Ageing and Carers portfolio." Mr Bull said.
Pictures from Victoria Disability Resource Centre Facebook page.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Cann River fire damages three commercial properties and burns popular Squires Cafe to groundCommunity feedback wanted for the Wellington Shire Draft Budget 2024/25 by 29 May 2024
Appreciation to Bairnsdale volunteers for their support during Gippsland Rotary Centenary House fundraiser extended by Darren Chester
Baw Baw residents will get new purple-lidded glass bins collected separately every four weeks to better recycling process from October 2024
Exhibition by artist Matthew Bagley is captivating journey into ocean conservation at Berninneit Art Gallery
Outward Bound Australia praised by Darren Chester for their effort to revitalise Gippsland outdoor education
Penny Glover from Guthridge Primary School presented with John Printz OAM Award in front of a huge crowd at Sale Memorial Hall
Upgrades to Kalimna Hill trail in Lakes Entrance prioritises safety and accessibility for walker
Baw Baw Shire Council funds 28 community groups total of $105,303 from Community Grants Program
Free Masterclass sessions to promote safe and sustainable community events in Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale over May 2024