Disabled care move anger
A VICTORIAN union and its workers are rallying against the Andrews Government’s move to roll out the National Disability Insurance Scheme, fearing it will ‘blow a hole’ in the state’s disability sector.
The Victorian Government yesterday called for expressions of interest for non-government providers to expand disability care in the areas of early childhood, behavioural intervention and short term independent accommodation.
However, the move has been met with outrage from the Health and Community Services Union, who say the state government is trying to privatise disability services.
HACSU boss Lloyd Williams said the tender process breached promises to not privatise the sector, made by Premier Daniel Andrews in the lead up to the 2014 election.
“This is an amateur, untrustworthy and unprincipled government that doesn’t know how to be honest in negotiations,’’ Mr Lloyd said.
“While Labor say this announcement is about providing choice to people with disabilities, it’s about cutting costs and cutting quality support for the most vulnerable THE gripping and gothic story of Dracula is coming to The Playhouse at GPAC next month.
The critically-acclaimed horror story has been adapted by award-winning national theatre company Shake and Stir Theatre Co.
The story follows the tale of young lawyer Jonathan Harker as he visits Castle Dracula deep within the Carpathian Mountains and is greeted with an unusual form of hospitality from his mysterious host. Alone and trapped, Jonathan discovers that Dracula doesn’t just want him to be a guest at the dinner, he wants him to be the main course.
Fleeing the castle and leaving his visitor for dead, Dracula travels to London on a quest for seduction, true love and above all — blood.
A stellar cast lead by Ross Balbuziente, Michael Wahr, Adele Querol and David Whitney brings Bram Stoker’s twisted tale to life. Dracula is showing on May 18 and 19 at 8pm and May 20 at 1pm and 8pm. Victorians.’’ HACSU has been pleading with the State Government to reverse its plan to contract out disability services by launching awareness campaigns in marginal seats including Bendigo and Frankston. However, the call appears to have landed on deaf ears according to industry insiders.
Housing, Disability and Ageing Minister Martin Foley played down the union’s con- cerns yesterday, saying services would not go to the private sector unless strict conditions were met.
“To deliver the NDIS as promised, we need to expand our disability services while ensuring we maintain quality safeguards,’’ Mr Foley said.
“We will continue to work with staff and our industrial partners to grow a skilled, diverse and responsive disability sector.”
“It’s about cutting costs and cutting quality support for the most vulnerable Victorians.” HACSU BOSS LLOYD WILLIAMS