This morning I read Womans Day with a heavy heart. On a daily basis I meet people whose needs remain unmet and I see children not being given the opportunity to flourish.
As the NSW Shadow Minister for Ageing and Disability Services I am constantly appalled at the way people are let down by our support systems. The system is so under-resourced that it reacts to crisis rather than need.
We can and must do better. To break this cycle of neglect and reform government, we need to prioritise what is important to you. Policy that people want is not developed behind closed doors, politicians must listen and consult with people with disability and their families.
Send us your ideas on where you believe we can reform government, prioritise what is important to you.
On a state level we can change the way services are provided, we can ensure that people are given choice in the type of services they need at different stages of their lives, and provide a greater transparency. We can reduce the massive unmet need in the sector.
On a Federal level I support the work being undertaken by the Productivity Commission to examine a National Disability Entitlements Scheme, that will provide lifetime cover to those in need.
Australians should be mad as hell and I hope the broader community get behind the campaign to introduce such a scheme.
Do you want to help carers?
Take 30 seconds to sign the Mad as Hell pledge.
The pledge calls for people to vote in the next Federal and State elections, for the political party which publicly promises to transform Australia’s broken, inefficient, crisis-driven disability support system.
Are you a carer? Do you have a story to share with us?
Send in you contact details, story (no longer than 300 words) and photos to wd@womansday.com.au.
For more inspirational carers stories click here
