Senator Eric Abetz

The Liberals’ commitment to Tasmanians living with disabilities and their carers has been confirmed with a $500,000 investment by the Coalition to assist in the creation of a disability hub in Southern Tasmania.

Senate Opposition Leader, Senator Eric Abetz and Senator Mitch Fifield, spokesman on Disability for the Coalition made the joint announcement today at Oak Tasmania, one of our State’s largest providers.

One of the genuinely rewarding aspects about being a Senator has been the opportunity to work with this important sector of the Tasmanian community.

Today’s announcement is about providing the support to those services which are largely run by professional people with a passionate commitment to help, along with hundreds of volunteers.

Whilst the previous Howard Government provided some modest gains for the disabled and their carers, it was not enough. This announcement modestly addresses the shortfall.

Oak Tasmania has an innovative and exciting community hub proposal which was put to Senator Fifield and myself quite some time ago during a visit.

We thought it a great idea. Administration costs would be saved and synergies gained allowing more of any funding to go to the vital area of service delivery.

Potential beneficiaries would include organisations such as the Special Olympics and Riding for the Disabled.

Senator Fifield’s decision to launch the Coalition policy on disabilities in Tasmania was as a result of the huge impression the providers made on him during a recent tour of facilities.