Disabilities in despair or disrepair?
A recent Story in the Advertiser brought to my attention the
plight of our children with disabilities, a quick investigation has brought to
light the true and sad picture of what could be only described as abuse of our
most needy by an uncompassionate government.
Most States of Australia ensure a very transparent funding
program is available to all that seek the information, yet South Australia
seems to find reason to make the quest some what difficult, understandably so,
when one uncovers the sad truth.
Novita’s annual reports clearly indicate not only a drop in
allotted funding but as expected a rise in costs of services provided, add to
this a sharp rise in the assistance required on top of an average 9.5% yearly increase
in demand for services in general, and the picture paints a sorry tail.
With inflation at some 3.5% and demand rising 9.5% per
annum, wouldn’t we expect a similar raise in State Government funding of say
13%, the sad fact is not only are our most needy being left to fend for
themselves, which in most case’s they can not, but even if we were to have a
50% rise in funding tomorrow, South Australia’s disabled Children would still
be receiving less than the National average.
With over 3000 languishing on waiting lists and over 1000 of
them at a critical rating, what the hell is our Government waiting for?
This situation can no longer be tolerated and urgent action
is past its cut of date, Novita have asked for a measly couple of million, to
try and address their more urgent cases, I feel they are selling themselves
well short, if I were Novita I would be demanding an immediate injection of at
least 4 million, and then annual increases over the next 5 years of at least
12% pa starting in 2010 at 10.5 million (8.8 mill recurrent grant at present)
Kevin Rudd in May 2008 announced an increase in federal
funding of 100 million for disability services, which is nowhere near enough,
and just where was our percentage spent?
Mike Rann and his minister Rankine have a lot to answer for,
I bet the scenario would be different if either had to care for a disabled
child. South Australia is the highest taxed state in Australia at the same time
receiving the least in regards to infrastructure, services and income.
It just so happens we spend the most on spin doctors and
government self promotion and this story show’s at just what expensive to the
community in general, we have many genuine needs in our beloved state, but
first and foremost we should provide adequate services for those most in need,
and that is not your self promotion Mr. Rann or increased jobs for your mates.
A Fundraiser and protest rally will be held in the new year,
to demand a fair go for our children with disability, in fact all those with
similar needs in our community, with the hope of also raising some quick funds
to provide urgent equipment for those in critical need, and as usual the
overtaxed people and business’s of this fine state will have to again step up
to the mark and do the job that our government just don’t seem to care enough
to get right.
Our 2 party political regimes need an urgent injection of
genuine compassion, and I sincerely hope they find it sooner than later, and
with an election looming, I hope the electorate force it down their throats
