No fee policy for NSW Government respite centres

Media release from the Minister for Disability Services, Paul Lynch, 23 October 2008:

The NSW Government has introduced a no-fees policy for all respite centres operated by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Paul Lynch said the Rees Government had taken immediate action to address community concerns about the system.

“Since becoming Minister for Disability Services last month, I have been made aware of inconsistent practices when it comes to charging respite fees,” he said.

“It is current policy not to charge people with a disability aged under 16 years respite fees,” Mr Lynch said.

“The Rees Government is extending that policy to apply to all Department-operated centre-based respite services,” he said.

“People caring for a family member with a disability have additional costs to pay for,” Mr Lynch said.

“If you are on a pension and need respite care, you can be charged around $25 per night – and that is a significant impact on your budget,” he said.

“The Rees Government is aware of the financial stresses many families are battling with in the current economic climate,” Mr Lynch said.

“The no-fees policy for planned respite stays at the Department’s facilities will provide relief for those carers and families of people with a disability,” he said.

Carers NSW CEO Elena Katrakis welcomed the announcement.

“It will provide welcome relief for many carers who are experiencing financial hardship,” she said.

Mr Lynch said the new policy addressed anomalies that resulted from past restructures of the delivery of disability services.