Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs

The Bligh Government is delivering a record $1.612 billion Budget for disability and community care services in 2010-11.

It will ensure that even more Queenslanders get a service. The Budget includes new funding to expand vital initiatives such as autism early intervention in regional Queensland, support for people with spinal cord injuries, and enhanced post school services to assist young Queenslanders with a disability.

For the first time, the annual Budget for specialist disability services will hit the $1 billion mark.

The Budget includes:

• $1.054 billion for specialist disability services
• $528.7 million for home and community care (HACC)
• $28.6 million for non-clinical mental health services.

It will deliver an extra $72.5 million in funding for specialised disability support services over the next four years, including $12.5 million in 2010-11.

The Budget supports our long-term vision to transform disability services and create a more inclusive Queensland. Our 10 year plan for Queenslanders with a disability and our action plan for children with a disability will deliver enhanced services to those who need them most.

In 2010-11, the Government will release a new multicultural policy, following extensive consultation with the State's multicultural communities.

This is a Budget that delivers for Queenslanders and it will mean better services in communities right across Queensland.

The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP
Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs