By Georgia Parsonson
Seniors and people with disabilities have been included in the 2021-2022 State Budget.
According to Craig Crawford, the Minister for Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, this is to ensure some of Queensland’s most vulnerable residents receive the support they need.
“Seniors and people with disabilities will be amongst the big beneficiaries of the budget with the Palaszczuk Government investing in services and support,” Minister Crawford said.
“This is all about building an inclusive state where all Queenslanders can thrive.
Seniors and people with disabilities have been significantly (and negatively) impacted by COVID-19.
“We will continue to support people with disability following the full rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“We are providing funding of $14.6 million over four years, and $3.6 million ongoing, to support peak and representative bodies.
“This will build the capacity of the disability and community care sector to deliver viable, cost-effective and quality services.
“Further funding of $8.1 million over two years will also boost advocacy services to help Queenslanders with a disability to access mainstream services, safeguard the wellbeing and deal with NDIS related issues.
“There is a high need for advocacy services to ensure people with disability have access to the NDIS, and this investment will help meet that growing demand.”
“It’s vitally important to have positive behavioural support for Queenslanders with a disability which is why we’re providing $6.6 million over two years.
“Further funding of $7.3 million over four years and $1.8 million ongoing will provide support for former disability services clients who are ineligible for services under the NDIS.
“There is also $5.1 million over four years and $1.4 million ongoing to advance disability services functions.”
It is a top priority for the Queensland government to ensure that the state’s seniors would be safe from physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
“The 2021-22 State Budget delivers a strong plan to support and safeguard older Queenslanders by committing $4.8 million over four years and $1.2 million per year ongoing, for seniors’ legal and support services, financial protection advice and a scams and fraud protection helpline for seniors,” Minister Crawford said.
This year’s state budget will provide Queenslanders of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to be involved and included in their communities and to enjoy everything Queensland has to offer.
For more information about the 2021-22 State Budget, visit budget.qld.gov.au.