In June 2008 the Government accepted all seven recommendations contained in the Final Report of the Review of Tasmanian Disability Services.
A vision for change for providing services to people with disabilities will begin to be implemented during 2008-2009, with full reform over three years.
A contemporary model of service provision will be implemented, with a focus on community based options and individual choice.
Partnerships between government and non-government service providers and people with disabilities and their families will be established so that governance is shared, and decision making is open and transparent.
People at local levels will plan services to ensure resources are targeted to the things people with disabilities and their families’ value and need.
Funding will be distributed across the State according to the percentage of people with severe disabilities who live in each region.
A Reform Unit headed by a dedicated director has been established within the Human Services Group to implement the changes.
The Government has also provided a significant increase in funding. In partnership with the Commonwealth Government, an additional $50 million will be made available over a four year period.
More people with disabilities and their families will get services they need in 2008-2009 with an estimated increase of:
- 12 accommodation places;
- 75 individual support packages;
- 50 community access packages; and
- 70 respite places.
Allocation of these packages and supports has already commenced.
The implementation of the disability reforms will mean that over the next four years an additional 1000 people who have severe and profound disabilities will be able to access supports.