Part 3. Outcomes of the consultations

Much of the discussion at these eight meetings centred on the SDT; however more general issues were also raised at each session.

Note: Italicised quotes are direct from submissions.
Numbers in brackets refer to the number of submissions that made reference to this issue.

Special Disability Trust

• The focus on the provision of care and accommodation only is too narrow (5).
• Don't trust governments - could change the rules at any time (5).
• Doesn't apply to low income earners - it's only for the wealthy or middle class (4).
• There are problems with taxation - capital gains and stamp duty (4).
• The cap of $500 000 is too low - not enough to buy care and money will run out before the person with disability dies (3).
• Donations to SDT should be tax-deductible (3).
• Would be good to have some sort of co-contribution scheme (3).
• Should be able to pay family members (2).
• Too complicated and too much legal jargon (2).
• Should be able to lease or rent from a family member eg a granny flat (2).

Definition of Care

• Very complex - doesn't look at the person's life as a whole (5).
• Should include lifestyle costs (3).
• Should include day to day costs - maintenance, rates, insurance etc (2).

Definitions of Severe Disability

• Excludes many people with mental health issues (3).

State/Territory government issues

• Respite is needed to help people cope now (2).
• Need to provide accommodation and support so that people with a SDT can actually purchase it (2).

Accommodation Support

• Develop models along the lines of aged care - self-care, hostel, nursing home (2).
• Concern that the introduction of SDT was encouraging a cost-shift from governments with a responsibility for providing accommodation and support to individuals and their families (2).

Barriers to Planning

• Uncertainty about the availability of and access to services and resources - especially what could be around in the future (6).
• A lack of information about what is available and a lack of assistance to guide through the process (6).
• The complexity of the planning system and its many dimensions (financial, legal, property, taxation, government support etc) (5).
• Professionals (accountants and lawyers) do not understand disability issues (5).
• Carers are too tired and exhausted from their daily responsibilities (5).
• Government agencies work on a crisis-intervention approach and not on a planned approach (3).
• Inconsistencies between states and within regions - fear of moving and going to the bottom of waiting lists (2).

Options to improve planning

• Help families and individuals establish a circle of friend or circle of support for the person with disability (6).
• Begin transition arrangements early - increasing independent living skills; enabling more time spent away from the parents, moving into a new home whilst family members are still around and can visit (4).
• Establish a centre of expertise where legal, financial and emotional support is available (including a website) (4).
• Share innovative accommodation models and options with families (2).