< Back

Disability Funding Inquiry Terms Of Reference
December 20th 2004

The terms of reference, for an inquiry into the proposed reforms to post secondary school programs for people with a disability, have been finalised by the standing committee that will conduct the inquiry(General Purpose Standing Committee No.2).

The Committee will inquire into and report on the appropriateness of changes to post school programs for young adults with disability, and in particular:

1. The program structure and policy framework, including eligibility criteria, for the new Transition to Work and Community Participation Programs.
2. The adequacy and appropriateness of funding arrangements for the new programs.
3. The role of advocates, both individual and peak groups in the consultation process.
4. The impact of the exclusion of students enrolled or proposing to enrol in post secondary and higher education from eligibility for assistance under the new programs.
5. The appropriateness of the assessment methodology used to identify school leaver support needs and to stream school leavers into the new programs.
6. The adequacy of complaints and appeals mechanisms established in relation to the implementation of the new programs, and particularly with respect to assessment decisions.
7. Whether appropriate and sustainable further education and vocational training and employment outcomes for people with disability are likely to be achieved as a result of these changes.

“This inquiry hopes to find a more equitable way to assist school leavers who have a disability than the current process,” said Dr. Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, who pushed for the inquiry after protests by hundeds of parents and carers closed down Macquarie Street for three hours in September.

“We’re basically happy with the terms of reference, which focus on two programs that many families hope will contribute to their child becoming a member of society through work and other community participation.” Dr Chesterfield-Evans concluded

The Committee will advertise the terms of reference on Feb 5th 2005, with submissions due by 4th March 2005.