Page 3835 - Week 09 - Wednesday, 24 August 2011
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I note that the amendment refers to education. I do not think anyone disagrees with the importance of education. It is covered in the ACT disability strategy, but it is not actually a feature of the NDIS. The NDIS does not specifically cover the portfolios of health, education or transport. I think it is important to keep this motion in the spirit of what it is about. For us, it is about us as a parliament making a joint statement, a strong statement, with all the parties here saying, “Yes, we support the NDIS and what it stands for.” I acknowledge, Mr Doszpot, the importance of education, but for me this is not what this particular motion is about. I very much want to keep it in the spirit of that. We will not be supporting the amendment.
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Community Services, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Women and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) (6.49): I just want to speak briefly, but firstly I thank my colleague Mr Hargreaves for bringing this motion on. I say at the outset that I will support the amendment put forward by Ms Bresnan. I will not be supporting the amendment put forward by Mr Doszpot.
The NDIS has the potential to change the lives of 410,000 Australians and, in turn, that means 12,000 Canberrans could be entitled to funding to support their needs. I just want to briefly acknowledge the dedication and determination of countless Australians who advocate for change in service provision for people with a disability over many, many years. We have all had communications with families that carry complexities and challenges that are hard for us to comprehend. I thank Mr Hargreaves for bringing this on.
In response to some of the comments by Mr Doszpot, I remind him that there has been an increase of over 100 per cent in funding since 2003. This government has put in significant efforts towards disability. We know there is still an unmet demand. We know there is still work to do, but surely an average increase of nine per cent in disability funding each and every year since we have come into power shows our commitment, Mr Doszpot. For you to say otherwise really shows your lack of understanding of the challenge to put budgets together.
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MS BURCH: The 100 per cent increase goes across areas such as community access and respite.
Mr Doszpot interjecting—
MR SPEAKER: Mr Doszpot, please!
MS BURCH: His continual interjection just highlights his ignorance, Mr Speaker. Mr Doszpot, I can count on one hand the number of questions you have asked on disability in this place. You have never asked for a briefing. You show no interest in this place other than standing up and pontificating on your particular view. If you were serious about it, you would ask for briefings. You would ask me questions in this place, but you do not, Mr Doszpot.
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