Senator Bridget McKenzie will spend Friday afternoon with carers from Brainlink at the ‘Changed Lives’ carer’s workshop in Traralgon where she will welcome the Productivity Commission’s report into Disability Care and Support and discuss it’s potential.
Brainlink is a community based care and education organisation that focuses on the effect of acquired brain disorders. The organisation aims to educate and inform, but also provide support for people with brain disorders, their families and carers.
“Brainlink is a inspiring organisation in that it enables individuals and groups to discover and manage their changed lives as a result of acquired brain injuries and disorders,” says Senator McKenzie.
“Providing decent support for people with an Acquired Brain Injury should be core government business. People with disability, their carers and families deserve a better deal.
The Productivity Commission’s Report into Disability Care and Support recommended a National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme which would provide insurance cover for all Australians with a significant disability such as an acquired brain injury.
“The effect of an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) on an individual and their family is significant, life changing and permanent,” says Senator McKenzie.
“At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, the financial burden for carers is enormous. I’m told that carers are cashing in their superannuation just to survive! Carers must not be forced into financial hardship or disadvantage by their caring role. When individuals with a disability or chronic illness receive the care they need, the carer burden would be lifted and carers would be able to get on with their lives.
The implementation of the NDIS scheme would see approximately 410,000 people throughout Australia receive the funding and support they need.
BrainLink commends the development of the National Carer Strategy as an important recognition of the work of Australia’s growing ‘care force’.
Senator Bridget McKenzie will be at the Changed Lives carer workshop at the Traralgon Neighbourhood Learning House on Friday, September 9th at 12.30pm.