Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has condemned the Federal Government for allegedly failing to uphold funding promises to the Hunter-based disability service Ability Links.
Ability Links was established in Newcastle in 2013 to assist people with a disability and their families engage with the community. The service has since expanded across New South Wales employing four hundred people.
Last week the New South Wales Budget Estimate revealed only $8.5 million of an expected $28.5 million was provided. The service is now reportedly set to close its doors in late October.
Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp has called on the Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward to ensure the Government honors its commitment to the service.
"This minister needs to hold his federal counterpart to account and fully fund this vital service and explain what he's done to make sure they honor their commitments so that Ability Links New South Wales does not stop servicing all those disabled people and all those hundreds of employees don't lose their jobs."
"Tens of thousands of families are being let down by the closure of Ability Links. To know that the Federal Government has failed to meet their funding commitment is just rubbing salt in the wound."
"This state government is tying to fob off its responsibility while the federal government has broken a promise. This treatment of some of the community's most vulnerable is absolutely abhorrent." says Mr Crakanthorp.
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| Emblem Belonging to Ability Links NSW |
