NSW: Disabled should be given choice, says report.

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-1999
NSW: Disabled should be given choice, says report.

A New South Wales parliamentary report recommends disabled residents be given the choice
to stay with the Department of Community Services if group homes are privatised.

The upper house committee report also says residents who transfer to the non-government
sector should continue to receive the same level of service and funding as they did with
the Department.

The inquiry follows the government's announcement during the last State Budget to contract
out the Deparment's group homes.

The decision's sparked strong criticism from carers and people with disabilities, who
say they haven't been consulted about the proposal.

But the committee's ruled the government hasn't breached any laws, as the decision
to tender has only been in-principle.

Other recommendations include more funds for residents who move out if required, and
for savings under the contracting out process to be injected into disability services.

AAP RTV ls/jk/rp/rt

KEYWORD: HOMES (SYDNEY)

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