28 April 2011

Commissioner Patricia Scott
Productivity Commission
GPO Box 1428
Canberra City 	ACT	 2601

Dear Commissioner 

Inquiry into Disability Care and Support

I am writing on behalf of the Australian Guardianship and Administration Council (AGAC).  AGAC is comprised of the Public Guardians, Adult Guardians and Public Advocates, the Boards and Tribunals who deliberate upon applications under guardianship and administration legislation and the State Trustees or Public Trustees.   The legislative schemes that our agencies administer provide protection and support for adults (although some agencies also have responsibility for children) with disabilities that render them incapable of making reasonable decisions.  At our meeting in Adelaide in October 2009, Bruce Bonyhady introduced members to the National Disability Insurance Scheme proposal.  AGAC members, then as now, were impressed with the possibility that the proposed scheme presents for real change in the lives of the people with disabilities with whom we have contact.  

The submission of the Victorian Public Advocate dated 19 April 2011 to this inquiry has been circulated to AGAC members who have endorsed her comments.   I also refer you to AGAC’s earlier submission by Imelda Dodds to the Caring for Older Australians inquiry.  The staffing challenges to which the Victorian Public Advocate refers in her current submission reflects a similar challenge to be faced in aged care service delivery. AGAC believes that Australians will face a considerable challenge in locating and training sufficient staff to meet client’s needs in both the aged care and disability sector.  We would encourage the Commission to consider whether a unified response between the two sectors might secure a better future for all Australians.

Yours faithfully

Anita Smith
AGAC Chair