Monday 12 March 2018

Newcastle MP slams new disability arrangements for NSW

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon is accusing the state government of shirking its responsibility to provide disability advocacy funding following the rollout of the NDIS.

It comes after Novocastrians gathered on Hunter Street on Friday to rally against the $13 million-dollar funding cut, set to hit in July.

Community Disability Alliance Hunter is one of around 50 services which will suffer under the new arrangements.

Sharon Claydon said the NSW government has used the NDIS as a replacement for advocacy funding, but the two aren't comparable.

"They've turned to the Commonwealth and said, 'when it comes to disability, we are cost-shifting all services to the federal government,' but the problem with that is," she explained, "they leave everyone who's outside the parameters of the NDIS scheme without anything.

"It's more than a problem, it is a fundamental betrayal," Ms Claydon said.

She said regional areas like the Hunter will be affected the most, as there are fewer services available in the area.


Friday's rally on Hunter Street. Image: The Herald.