MEDIA RELEASE 


22 September 2004 For Immediate Release 



DISABILITY CAMPAIGN BRINGS TWO THOUSAND TO MACQUARIE STREET 



The Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has called upon the Minister for Disability Services, Ms Carmel Tebbutt to reverse the funding cuts that brought thousands of people with disabilities and their families to demonstrate outside NSW Parliament today. 


"Given the outcry over proposed cuts to the Adult Training Learning and Support (ATLAS) program, the Minister must act quickly" said NCOSS Deputy Director Michelle Burrell. 


" Whilst NCOSS appreciates the Minister meeting with a delegation today and her promise of at least three days a week services for people with disability, the fact of the matter is that people need services for five days." 


"The Minister is emphasising certainty for families, but the uncertainty and distress is largely a result of the announcement of the new funding levels, which will be significantly lower than present," added Ms Burrell. "No matter how long the Minister looks at the Expressions of Interest the funding offered cannot meet the needs of people with disabilities". 


"NCOSS is not opposed to reforms that deliver quality and improvements. We welcome the Minister's commitment that DADHC will not fund services that fail standards," said Ms Burrell " But the Minister cannot expect non-government organisations to deliver these improvements with fewer dollars. " 


"Young people with disabilities like all others should be able to choose a life path through employment or community involvement or be assisted to do so. It is time for the Minister to provide this guarantee". 



Media Contact 
Michelle Burrell, Deputy Director 0427 951 355 (mob) (02) 9211 2599 (wk) 


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