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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 7 Hansard (2 July) . . Page.. 2153 ..

MR MOORE (continuing):

endeavours to respond to this issue through strategies aimed at increasing available resources, using resources efficiently and creatively, and promoting access by people with disabilities to mainstream services wherever this fits their best interest.

Where there is unmet need it is easy to allocate all resources, including new resources, to fill urgent gaps in service and to react to crises.

If this is allowed to happen we will not have resources available to increase the availability of services such as early intervention, skills development and community access programs. These services are crucial because they enable people with disabilities to optimise their independence and inclusion and to reduce their longer term dependence on families and services. The establishment or expansion of these types of service will therefore be a central focus in allocation of all new disability funding.

At the same time, the Strategic Plan acknowledges the importance of responding to people in urgent need of support. The development of improved information, assessment and service allocation mechanisms will assist in ensuring that services are allocated according to priority of need.

Other key strategies in the Plan relate to consultative mechanisms, consumer empowerment, improving the information base for disability service planning, improved coordination within the disability service system and the development of options and models for disability service provision.

It is critical that the detailed planning and implementation of the Strategic Plan for Disability Services is carried out in close consultation with those who it directly affects. People with disabilities, their families, friends and carers, service providers, peak bodies and other interested people will play an integral role in the next steps of this Strategic Plan.

The Strategic Plan sets out a shared objective, goals and strategies. There is immense energy and commitment among the various stakeholders. I am confident that by joining forces we will see continuing. progress in the development of an ACT community which includes people with disabilities as contributing citizens in a healthy society.

Debate (on motion by Ms Tucker ) adjourned.

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