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Hon. Paula Bennett speaks

The rhetoric was promising but we look forward to some action. That was the general aftermath reaction to the Hon. Paula Bennett presentation, at the Auckland Disability Providers Network seminar, held at Western Springs convention centre.

The new Minister for Disability Issues did come across as a genuine person, who is willing to listen and learn from the disabled community.

She recognised the need to streamline the health departments and speed up service delivery. Trying to get DSW departments and Ministry of Health working as one as far as the end user is concerned was one of her top priorities. She also wanted to give the disabled more control over their lives and was a big supporter of individualised funding. She wanted to see this type of funding expand so that the appropriate people will get the care giving they wanted and needed. She also called upon the developments of the New Zealand Disability Strategy to be more transparent so that everyone can debate the progress being made and would also work towards an increase in funding for Total Mobility transport in Auckland

She told the audience she firmly believes in the axiom

“Nothing about us, without us”

“I’m not scared of hearing that we are getting it wrong,” said the Minister.

She emphasised the importance of changing attitudes especially in the area of employment.

“I know when I got a job it changed my life.” she said. She wants the same opportunities for the disabled community.

“It’s time we valued each other,” she stated.

She lamented the fact that she did not have a bottomless bucket of money but, she stated, that she was not going to use the downturn in the economy as an excuse for lack of progress. Her remedy to combat the hard financial times was to put in place strong innovative leadership, that know how best to spend the money and how to priorities.

“I’m a doer and a foot stamper. I’m willing to become completely unreasonable to anyone that stands in the way of progress “she said.

The Minister has only been in the job for six months and it’s obviously been a settling in period. Auckland Disability Providers Network invited her back in November and she appeared keen to accept the invitation.

It will be interesting to hear what progress has been made if that meeting eventuates.

Ross Flood- Editor
55 Hillside Road
Papatoetoe
Auckland
Phone/Fax (including answer phone) (09) 278-7106
Email Ross Flood

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