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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2306 ..
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Mr Speaker, it is now 9 months since I provided this Assembly with a `progress report' on the implementation of reform in the Disability Program.
I would like to take the opportunity today to inform you of the significant changes which are occurring within the Program, as the reform agenda is progressively implemented.
The achievements which have been made thus far are outstanding, and there are more to come.
In a context where it suits some members of the community and the media to focus on the negative, it is important that the positive work that is being undertaken is also noted.
At a Customer Satisfaction Focus Group held recently, 82% of participants reported that they were satisfied with the service they were receiving from the Disability Program's accommodation support service. In addition, 94% rated the Program has being highly valuable, and 88% noted the improvements that have taken place in recent times. Over 70% of participants confirmed that the Disability Program delivers a quality accommodation support service.
Since my last Statement, the restructure of the Respite Service has been completed. Birralee Hostel was closed in November 1996, and in its place two smaller centre-based respite care facilities opened.
These are Kese House, which provides respite for children up to 12 years, and is wheelchair accessible; and Teen House, which accommodates the 12-20 age group. These services provide additional much needed respite for families, and provides services to children in an age-appropriate manner.
The Respite Service is well utilised, with over 90% occupancy of the 18 available beds. Planned changes to the Finnis Respite House for adults will result in the creation of an additional 2 beds at no extra cost to the community.
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