Hunter service providers protest against NDIS funding ‘shortfall’ at NSW Parliament House
Hunter disability service workers and family members of people who receive care will protest against the NSW Government’s privatisation of the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (ADHC) on Tuesday.
About 200 people from across Maitland, Newcastle and the Central Coast will rally in front of state parliament house against what the Public Service Association said in a statement were “massive shortfalls” in funding for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“The NSW Government is washing its hands of all responsibility and walking away,” PSA general secretary Stewart Little, a former disability worker, said.
“NSW will be the only state in Australia with no government safety net, throwing the care of people with disability into free fall.
“Many will land heavily in the state’s hospitals, mental health facilities and even the criminal justice system, areas lacking expertise in specialist disability care.”
PSA Hunter ADHC delegate Chris O’Hara said support workers with 20 to 30 years of experience could leave the sector if they weren’t given more job security under the NDIS.
“It’s important to make sure there’s a continuity of service beyond July 1, 2017,” he said.
“Otherwise it will leave vulnerable people more vulnerable.”