Adequate Support for People with a Disability

Bruce Bonyhady

“Kenny and thousands of other people with disabilities in Australia fall through a huge gap in our social services network, because their injury or disability is non-compensable. Because of this, individuals with a disability struggle below the poverty line, or their families, like Gwen, are expected to provide care until they die or otherwise cannot continue. They endure because there is no alternative; or, in the case of family members, because they feel it is their duty and responsibility, despite the huge costs to their health and wellbeing. This is a national disgrace. Yet the theoretical and practical evidence for a fairer and more effective system is clearly demonstrated by existing social insurance schemes such as workers’ compensation …”