Minister for Housing, Disability, Ageing and Mental Health, Martin Foley, has today tabled the Andrews Labor Government’s response to the recommendations in the Community Visitors Annual Report 2013-14.
The Community Visitors report was tabled in Parliament on 18 September 2014 and contains 33 recommendations across residential services, mental health and disability residential services.
The report highlighted the need for a change in culture to reduce instances of abuse and violence against people with a disability.
It also highlighted the impact of an inadequate supply and limited range of accommodation and the need for future assurance on appropriate safeguards within the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Labor Government is committed to strengthening and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable Victorians and has established a Parliamentary Inquiry into Abuse in the Disability System.
The Government is providing an extra $151 million over four years for up to 830 Individualised Support Packages, which will mean more support for young people with a disability and much-needed respite for their families. This is part of the State Government’s $2.54 billion commitment to the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The Labor Government is also increasing funding to treat and support people with a mental illness with a $117 million boost to help families with innovative care. This includes $88.2 million to help manage critical demand pressures in the mental health system.
The Government has also committed to a mental health strategic plan for Victoria, a mental health services annual report to be tabled in Parliament and a $10 million Health Service Violence Fund to make mental health services safer.
The Labor Government is working closely with the Commonwealth and other states and territories to develop a national approach to quality and safeguard mechanisms under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Martin Foley
“We are committed to addressing the issues raised by the Community Visitors to ensure all Victorians are afforded dignity, choice and protection.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is working with the community to create a State Disability Plan. It will help us to ensure everyone with a disability in our state can reach their full potential.”
“Community Visitors play a vital role in helping to ensure the human rights, dignity and safety of people with a disability are promoted and protected. I commend the valuable contribution of the community visitors who volunteer to visit specialised services across the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020