Last week, Eureka Street editor Michael Mullins commented on the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Council chairman's address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, and cautioned the Government against listening to certain interests at the expense of the common good.
Indeed, Dr Maurice Newman's criticism of the former Government for establishing and funding programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme reveals an upsetting indifference toward those who shoulder the true cost of disability in Australia. Newman described the decision to commit to the NDIS as 'reckless' and implied a preference to implement a scheme such as the NDIS during a more prosperous era.
Paradoxically, those to whom Newman eventually gave his political support, the Coalition, had an opportunity during years of economic growth but chose instead to spend money elsewhere. Whatever its reasons and motivations, when the former Labor Government took on disability reform, people with disability and caregivers across the nation were relieved that their issues were finally acknowledged and addressed.
Waiting for a putative golden opportunity — which, in any case, may not have materialised — would not have addressed the problems, but would only have further entrenched the difficulties of those affected by disability.
At the moment, a small number of Australians disproportionately bear the cost of disability support. Working opportunities and income is foregone when workplaces are not inclusive, accommodating or flexible, both for people with disability and those who care for them. Therapies and equipment are frequently paid for by those with a disability and their families, when they might have preferred to spend money on other goods and services many others take for granted.
There are health costs for people not receiving the right equipment or early intervention services which may prevent problems later, and for the mental and physical health of unsupported caregivers. There are economic costs in the significantly higher marriage breakdown rates for parents of children with disability. There is personal detriment when the rights of people with disability to participate in society are overlooked. Opportunity costs for individuals with disability and caregivers are manifold.
Australia is also paying, in foregone revenue from taxes of those currently prevented from working and subsequent increased social security support expenses, as well as lost participation and productivity in