After it was revealed in September by the Ageing and Disability Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald that the Ageing and Disability commission has suffered from a 60% budget cut Abigail has asked the Minister for Disability Services how they intend to restore funding back to the indicative budget of $29 million.
The Minister refused to answer the question, as other Ministers closed ranks to shut the question down.
Ms ABIGAIL BOYD: My question is directed to the Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services. Given that the Ageing and Disability Commission is chronically underfunded and will be unable to fulfil its statutory functions next financial year under its current projected budget, as revealed by the commissioner during the recent budget estimates hearings, what actions has the Minister taken since budget estimates to secure the funding that the commission needs to function in the manner intended by this Parliament when it passed the enabling legislation?
The Hon. NATASHA MACLAREN-JONES (Minister for Families and Communities, and Minister for Disability Services) (16:26): I thank the honourable member for her question. As explained at budget estimates, the commissioner has the funds required to continue his requirements and his statutory responsibilities for the next financial year. We will be working with him to move forward into future budgets.
Ms ABIGAIL BOYD: I ask a supplementary question. Will the Minister elucidate how her answer responds directly to the question as to what actions she has taken since budget estimates to secure that funding?
The Hon. Damien Tudehope: Point of order: To use the word "elucidate" does not mean the question is in order. The supplementary question reframed the previous question, which the Minister has answered.
The PRESIDENT: The question did not seek an elucidation of the answer of the Minister. In that regard, I rule it out of order.