By ALESHA CAPONE
POLITICIANS in the West have united to condemn the State Government for increasing fees paid by people with a disability who live in state-run residential units.
The recent government budget for 2013-2014 includes the fee rise for residents living in Department of Human Services’ disability accommodation.
Residents have been notified their board and lodging fees are set to rise by 50 per cent to approximately $17,500 annually- equal to 75 per cent of their disability support pensions .
The State Government will use the increase in revenue to fund 720 new individual support packages, for people with high support needs.
However, Opposition Keilor MP Natalie Hutchins said the fee rise would disadvantage many people who already struggle financially.
Her statement was backed by Tarneit MP Tim Pallas and Altona MP Jill Hennessy, who said the fee hike would make supported accommodation “unaffordable” for some residents.
“I just think it’s disgusting they are attacking the most vulnerable people in our community,” Ms Hutchins said.
“The majority of these people can’t gain employment and I think it’s underhanded to slug them with even higher living costs and have it become more difficult for them to make ends meet.”
“There are a lot of disabled people in Brimbank who struggle financially.”
However, a State Government spokesperson said the introduction of the new fee model from 1 December this year “will ensure fees charged in DHS-run disability residential services are consistent across locations and comparable to those already operating in community sector-provided disability accommodation”.
“If a resident is unable to meet their basic daily living expenses, the DHS hardship policy will apply,” he said.
“Families or carers are not expected to meet expenses such as continence aids if a resident is unable to afford them.
“As well as ensuring fairness and equity, these fee changes for residents who have an accommodation place will mean that a group of people with disability, their families and carers who are currently desperately waiting on the Disability Support Register for respite, day services or accommodation, will now be able to access support.”
