New deal for disabled young people

Agreement to assist young people with a disability to move out of residential aged care facilities is a step closer with the signing of bilateral agreements with South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today welcomed the commitment by the States and said he looked forward to working with them to see the plan become a reality.

"For too long, the only long-term residential care available to young people with a disability has been in aged care facilities – today’s announcement means an improvement in the choices available," Mr Brough said.

"Agreements with the States follow on from a decision at the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in February this year, to jointly fund and develop a $244 million program over the next five years.

"This program will reduce the number of younger people with a disability in residential aged care and will initially target those under 50 years of age.

"The program may also provide improved services to those who continue to stay in residential aged care, and additional disability support services to assist those at risk of entering aged care.

"States and Territories, who have the responsibility for accommodation for these people, will manage the program on a day-to-day basis, subject to the signed agreements with the Australian Government.

"This is a significant day for those young people with disabilities who are looking for accommodation outside aged care facilities. I am pleased to have been able to reach agreement with South Australia, Queensland and Victoria to see this plan become a reality.

"I look forward to continued discussions with the remaining States and Territories to ensure those in their jurisdictions can also benefit from this program."