Cronulla MP, Malcolm Kerr said today that supported accommodation and respite for people with a disability is in crisis.

In 2007 1596 people with a disability applied for a supported accommodation place through the Iemma Government last year yet only 85 received it.

Despite the NSW population being almost 1.7 million more than Victoria, the Iemma Government assists only 7095 people compared to 13,666 people with a disability in Victoria.

The Government’s record on respite care is no better with 4, 593 assisted in NSW compared to 13, 719 in Victoria.

The Iemma Government has 19 vacant group homes around NSW, which have been left vacant while 1511 people with a disability cannot attain supported accommodation.

1.      As at 30 June 2007 44 DADHC respite beds were blocked of a total of 238 beds. One individual has blocked a respite bed for nine years.

2.      807 people with a disability were living in licensed boarding houses in NSW in 2007. These people are not on accommodation lists as they are considered accommodated until a crisis occurs.

‘From my discussions with the community, I am aware of the anguish that hundreds of Shire families face trying to find accommodation and/or respite care for their loved one’ Mr Kerr said.

‘These families are desperate and crying out for help with daily living a constant struggle’’

‘After 13 years of neglect by the State Labor Government it is crucial  that this situation be addressed and realistic funding be made available for supported accommodation and respite care’ Mr Kerr concluded.