Mr NEUMANN (1:45 PM) —Today, I warmly welcome the massive $51 million boost in funding for home and community care services in Queensland announced by the federal Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, and the Queensland Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia Palaszczuk. The funding is provided under the Home and Community Care program—a joint initiative of the Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

The HACC initiative provides a comprehensive, coordinated and integrated range of basic maintenance and support services. People want to be independent in their homes and communities, close to friends and family, for as long as they can. The funding will provide the practical assistance that a wide range of frail older people and younger people with a disability need to help them stay at home. The HACC program provides a vital role in assisting frail older people and younger people with a disability in the Ipswich and West Moreton communities particularly to remain independent, providing essential services such as meals on wheels, home care, respite, social support and community transport.

I warmly welcome the fact that 13 community organisations in Blair received funding totalling $873,427. These organisations include Blue Care Ipswich, CODI, ALARA Association, Ipswich Dementia Day Respite Centre, West Moreton HACC, Home Visiting and Support, Luke’s Place, Ozcare Ipswich Homeless Outreach, Ipswich Meals on Wheels, We Care A&TSI Service, Blue Care Multicultural Liaison Project and others. (Time expired)