Page 756 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
We will go through a review of mainstream services offered through Therapy ACT over the next two years. We will work with the client base, we will work with other providers in town and we will work with the community organisations in town about what that looks like at the end of 2016.
I think the underlying message now is that, given that most of those mainstream services will be considered as an in-kind support service, as young ones come in and are assessed they will be directed to the NDIA once the doors open in July. If they are suitable for an NDIA package, that will be the response. If not, they will be managed through the routine services that currently exist. It is a significant change but it will take two years to get there.
MADAM SPEAKER: Supplementary question, Mr Wall.
MR WALL: Minister, how many individuals are currently on the waiting list to be assessed or diagnosed for autism?
MS BURCH: I would not have those details with me. I am happy to take some advice. But we also manage wait lists in different ways. We have a clear focus on those with the most needs to ensure that they get the attention as soon as we can provide it. In managing a wait list, whether it is for autism services, speech services or other services provided through Therapy ACT, it is those other drop-in clinics and arrangements that we have put in place that support families whilst they may be on a waiting list. Indeed, some families benefit from a very short intervention that is available through a drop-in clinic. But I can get that information for you.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, what information has been provided to families and individuals who are currently on the waiting list of Therapy ACT about the phasing out of the service, and when was this information provided?
MS BURCH: We made an announcement last week that sets out the time line for the government to withdraw from specialist disability services. I have also indicated that we will take the two years to work with our clients and our providers, our staff included, about what Therapy ACT, in a mainstream sense, will look like in two years time. We have not finalised. We are very clear on what our transition plan ought to be. It goes to the question about our phasing through. That detail is yet to be signed off by our federal colleagues. Once it is, that certainly will be put out into the public domain. But our approach is around phasing, and ages and stages. Those little ones that are coming into the service from July, if appropriate, will be directed straight off through to the NDIA.
MADAM SPEAKER: A supplementary question, Mr Doszpot.
MR DOSZPOT: Minister, how will you guarantee that no individual waiting for a diagnosis of ASD slips through the cracks?
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video