Investment in disability support sector required

8 May 2006

More investment in disability support sector required

The Public Service Association is calling on the government and opposition to focus attention on the important work that staff in the disability sector do in supporting those with disabilities, rather than undertaking another review of disability services.

“Another review of disability support services is not the answer to improving the service for people with disabilities and their families,” said Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary. “We already know that low pay, insufficient staffing levels and high staff turnover rates are the problems.”

“The problems of poor pay and inadequate staffing levels are well known. The answer is to value and properly pay those who undertake important work supporting people with disabilities.”

The National Party have today called on the Government to review disability support services in light of reports of alleged abuse and mis-management in some providers.

“A review of disability support services is a waste of resources given that we already know that a key issue in disability support services is increased pay and better working conditions for those in the sector.”

“The government and the opposition need to front up to the need for greater investment in disability support services rather than the policies of reducing government expenditure or tax cuts.”

“Government and provider attention must focus on improving the training and working conditions of staff in order to address the difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff.”

The PSA has over 1000 members in disability support services throughout New Zealand.

“Staff in disability support services have a very difficult job which they undertake in trying circumstances.”

“Staff must be valued for the important work they do in providing support for those in our most vulnerable sector of society,” said Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

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