Government seeks input from public on disability support services.
The New Zealand government has announced plans for early 2025 to consult with the wider disability community on how to improve the delivery of disability support services. The aim is to create a system that is fair, consistent, transparent, and sustainable. This comes after an independent review found issues with the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha's ability to deliver these services.
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has stated that the government will consider seven recommendations from the review, which include establishing eligibility criteria and guidelines for Flexible Funding. The community's input is seen as crucial in getting these next steps right. A recent online survey with over 1,550 participants generated feedback that will form the basis of a discussion document for consultation.
The public will be able to provide their insights on how to improve disability support services through an upcoming community consultation process. Details of this process are expected to be released by Disability Support Services in the new year. The government aims to deliver services and supports that meet the needs of disabled people, their families, and carers both now and into the future.
The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha has been working to stabilize the disability support system after an independent review highlighted issues with its ability to deliver these services.