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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2002 Week 11 Hansard (26 September) . . Page.. 3272 ..

MR WOOD (continuing):

Disability Reform Group Response to the Recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into Disability Services, dated September 2002.

I seek leave to move a motion authorising the publication of the papers.

Leave granted.

MR WOOD: I move:

That the documents entitled Government response to the Recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into Disability Services which includes a tabling statement and Steps to Reform-Reform and Action Strategy for Disability Services in the ACT 2002-05; and the Disability Reform Group Response to the Recommendations of the Board of Inquiry into Disability Services, be authorised for publication.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

MR WOOD: Mr Speaker, I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the papers.

Mr Speaker, today I will table details of the government's comprehensive strategy of action to address one of the most critical reports into the administration of human services in the ACT.

On 19 February this year, the Chief Minister tabled the report of the board of inquiry into disability services. The report found that the rights and interests of people with disabilities had not been adequately or effectively protected by the policies and systems operating in the ACT. It found that the ACT had floundered in terms of policy and planning and that many of the practices and views of ACT service providers, particularly those in the government sector, had become entrenched.

The report warned of the urgent need to alter this environment and introduce change. It said that people with disabilities in the ACT deserved better services and support than they were receiving. It called for a clear vision of the care arrangements provided to people with disabilities, noting that this will require commitment by government, new vision, service innovation and strong leadership.

Mr Speaker, the service system in the ACT was not working well for people with disabilities. We can and should be doing better. Significant changes have already occurred. This is a giant step today which will continue the reform of the system. The government will not shy away from its responsibilities. The problems will be met head-on. We will provide the leadership and vision required to deliver substantial reform.

We now have a systematic strategy based on a series of actions and innovative steps. We have listened to the community. Our strategy of action has been shaped through a process of partnership and true consultation with many involved. Governments are often criticised for taking the easy way out. You throw money at a problem, make sure that you are seen to be doing so, and then hope it goes away. That is not our way. We have defined the problem, engaged with the community and set a path for reform that challenges the nature of the former system.

The government has worked closely with the community and the disability reform group in the formulation of the government response I am tabling today to the report of the board of inquiry. I would like to thank the disability reform group for their efforts and their dedication to the task. I acknowledge Mr Dennis Stabback and Ms Andrea Simmons, the co-chair, who are here today. I also want to acknowledge all the staff in Disability ACT and beyond who have worked so hard to get this together.

Mr Speaker, we propose a strategy of action to be implemented over the next three to five years. The strategy is contained in the document Steps to Reform that has been circulated. The reform process will be implemented through consultation and partnership

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