PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION SUBMISSION
BY PHILIP J MENZ.

Being born with a disability as I was fifty years ago, I have seen a lot of changes and may I say sometimes I think it has not been a very good outcome for all concerned.  I remember my Mum struggling to get the money to buy my boots, callipers and walking sticks as there was not much help or financial assistance like there is today.  

The South Australian Government puts in money to Disability SA and a lot seems to disappear into administration and then what’s left gets divided out to where its supposed to go, no wonder there is never enough money for support workers, equipment etc.

I believe a disabled person should have the right to say what they need because they are one living with the disability.  That’s why I’m in favour of a disabled person managing their own funding if that is what they wish.

I believe at this point of time there are too many “fingers in the pie” and its time it changed.  Family members looking after a disabled person, who cannot speak for themselves should have the right to say what is needed as they are living and caring with that person.  

I’d also like to see a local Government take a more proactive role in the equipment and services side of things, I am lead to believe it works quite well in the United Kingdom so I cannot see why it cannot work here in Australia.
Carers are very dedicated to their loved ones and save a lot of money and resources by keeping their disabled family member home, the pittance they receive for all their hard work and dedication is a joke.  Carers have to be looked after because if they injure themselves then the disabled person would probably have to go into a government institution which would break up the family structure, in turn creating a whole new set of problems costing the government a hell of a lot more.

I realise things are not going to be fixed overnight but something seriously has to looked at, and things have to change.

Yours sincerely

Philip J Menz