Additional Comments — The Hon Judi Moylan MP

1.        At paragraph 1.47 the Report states ‘In synthesising the evidence from the Inquiry the following broad themes emerged:’

The third dot point refers to ‘financial stresses’ and some of the clear themes which emerged from the inquiry related to difficulties some carers experience with housing accessibility and affordability and the inability to accumulate adequate superannuation savings for retirement. Although these issues are discussed within the body of the Report they are common themes and sufficiently serious to warrant inclusion in this section.

2.        This Report contains sufficient statistical evidence that the number of people requiring care is increasing. Refer to paragraphs 2.49 to 2.57 of the Report ‘Changing Models of Care and Implications of Demographic and Social Trends.’ To ensure adequate funding for care services, a national insurance scheme is needed as outlined in paragraphs 5.89 to 5.93 ‘National Disability Insurance’. As MS Australia has identified, such a scheme needs to be ‘carefully designed’.  Whilst it is acknowledged that the ‘possibility‘ of a National Disability Insurance Scheme is being considered by The Disability Investment Group, (refer to paragraph 5.93 of the Report), it is my view that a strong recommendation is needed to proceed with the development of a scheme, informed by the findings of The Disability Investment Group.

3.        Further to Recommendation 32 (paragraph 6.35), I would go further and recommend that the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the Minister for Health and Ageing and the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, and Social Inclusion set out a specific programme and timetable to train Indigenous people in rural and remote areas to deliver care services to the community.

4.        Given that at paragraph 6.120 it is acknowledged that ‘Members were reminded again and again during the Inquiry that the needs of carers and those they care for are inextricably bound... ’ I would strongly recommend that appropriate Ministers urgently consider using some of the recent budget allocated to public housing to develop accommodation options for people with a disability. There are already excellent models of accommodation developed in Western Australia, for example, for small group living with 24 hour care available. While this does not suit every situation, it would offer a great deal of comfort to ageing carers who develop high levels of anxiety about what will happen to their family member when they become too frail themselves to continue in the caring role, or when they pass away. There are limited options, in the event of the death of a carer for appropriately accommodating the person receiving care. Many benefits could flow from such an investment for ageing and frail carers, families who may need to resume full or part-time work and for those with disability who in some circumstances may have greater independence and derive social benefits from peer support. Such housing models in Western Australia encourage and facilitate active family/carer involvement.

5.        Recommendation 39 (paragraph 7.33) should be extended to include day care facilities. Funding of services should ensure that both respite and day care options are available for after school hours care and school vacation periods. In recognition of the close link between accessible, affordable care and workforce participation, I would strongly recommend that respite and day care services are also adequately funded to remain open during working hours. Refer to 7.22 of the Report.

The Hon Judi Moylan MP

Deputy Chair