Paul Hutchison
National Party Disability Issues Spokesman

26 June 2006

Disability inquiry must be thorough

A select committee inquiry into the provision of services to the disabled, including the terms of reference released today, was a consensus unanimously agreed upon, says National’s Disability Issues spokesman, Paul Hutchison.

“It is pleasing to have reached a consensus with all members of the select committee, especially in light of the fact that Health Minister Pete Hodgson has repeatedly said there is no need for an inquiry,” says Dr Hutchison.

“He seems to be in denial that there are problems with the Ministry of Health and its auditing methods.

“The sector has been saying for a long time that there are systemic problems, particularly with individual quality of life and the ‘tick-box’ approach of the Ministry.

“The results of the audits of Focus 2000 have shown further financial overspending, and 40 out of 75 services only ‘partially attained’.

“The problems with the sector are deep. But this inquiry provides the opportunity to improve services for people with disabilities,” says Dr Hutchison.

ENDS

© Scoop Media