By Belinda Nolan
A KEILOR Downs father is campaigning for increased disability services in a desperate bid to give his daughter a fighting chance at life.
Chris Monteagle has no experience in politics, but is hoping to win over voters in the upcoming State elections.
Mr Monteagle’s four-year-old daughter Laura suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a debilitating condition, which has stopped her from developing at a normal rate.
The youngster has had half of her brain removed and is unable to speak, walk or crawl.
Despite her severe disabilities, Laura has had to endure an agonising 12-month wait for a walking frame, an item she desperately needs for her development.
With her treatment not covered by Medicare, Mr Monteagle and his wife have been forced to fork out a small fortune to pay for Laura’s therapy, a situation they say is not good enough.
Mr Monteagle is campaigning for a National Disability Insurance Scheme to support disabled people and their family.
Under the scheme, those with a disability would be covered for life, similar to TAC or private health insurance cover.
Mr Monteagle said he was inspired to enter politics out of frustration with his own situation.
“Caring for someone with a disability is stressful enough,” Mr Monteagle said.
His own experiences have inspired Mr Monteagle to enter politics for the first time.
He will represent the Carers Alliance at the upcoming State Government elections.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, but I wanted to try to do something to improve things so people like Laura can enjoy the same quality of life everyone else takes for granted,” Mr Monteagle said.
