CORONAVIRUS —
DISABILITY SERVICES
246. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Minister for Disability Services:
I refer to the COVID-19 pandemic,
and to people with disability who rely on the community sector workforce for
the provision of essential daily living support.
(1) Will any
additional funding be granted to the sector to ensure essential supports are
not disrupted during the crisis?
(2) If yes to (1), how much; and
when will this funding be made available?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) All
disability sector organisations registered with the Department of Communities
have been provided with preliminary advice and support regarding the
implementation of COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures and
business continuity planning. The national Disability Reform Council ministers met today to discuss a wide range of actions in
response to COVID-19, including flexible financial supports and
solutions for the disability sector and for individuals. The McGowan government's
commitment to people with disability and the sector remains steadfast during
this period. At my request, Department of Communities and disability sector
representatives and advocates have established a critical incident response
group. This group will meet again tomorrow to consider the immediate risks
facing the sector and to develop and oversee a suite of practical responses.
Discussions are being held between state and federal jurisdictions, the
Department of Communities and the disability sector on a daily basis to respond
to emerging issues.