Thursday, 1 August 2024


Constituency questions

Richmond electorate


Gabrielle DE VIETRI

Richmond electorate

Gabrielle DE VIETRI (Richmond) (14:55): (737) My question is for the Minister for Disability, Minister for Ageing and Minister for Carers and Volunteers. I have been contacted by a constituent who is disabled and finding it increasingly difficult to access assistance. In fact disability advocacy organisations are in the midst of a funding crisis. Lack of state government funding has meant that they are facing operational deficits, resulting in service cutbacks and even permanent closure for many. These organisations are crucial for supporting Victorians with disabilities. Now services are reporting that they are faced with no choice but to cut staff hours. They are frontline organisations that are critical to people with disabilities being able to live their lives and overcome the barriers that are presented to them. I have heard from a CEO from a frontline disability service who is down to 8 hours a week – just 8 hours a week for the CEO. How will these organisations run when there are no staff left to run them?