ADHC disability transfer plans update – February 2017 (PDF version)

Major gaps remain in disability transfer plans

The Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) has confirmed that five NSW ‘services areas’ remain without an identified disability services provider a year after the NSW Government commenced its market testing process.

FACS has identified two service areas in Northern Sydney, and one each in Eastern Sydney, the Nepean Blue Mountains and Central Coast, that remain without a shortlisted operator. Yet the department sought to assure the PSA the Government had received expressions of interest from the private sector and expected to make announcements on the remaining areas in either March or April this year.

Heavily featured among the short-listed providers are Northcott and the House With No Steps, with the private operators holding resident and family forums across much of the state over the coming weeks. Other parts of the state are covered by start-up companies, including Hunter Valley Disability Services. Click HERE for a list of shortlisted providers by service area.

In related developments, the state Labor leader, Luke Foley, has backed the PSA and attacked the NSW Government for its decision to totally withdraw from the provision of direct disability care. Addressing striking disability workers outside Parliament House on Valentine’s Day, Mr Foley described the decision as an “abdication” of the State’s “most sacred” responsibility “to care for those who cannot care for themselves.” Click HERE to view footage from the rally.

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