Two years ago, Williamstown’s Milly Parker had Tony Abbott over to her house for morning tea to meet several families and children with high support needs.
Now, Ms Parker will speak at a coming disability forum in the west, organised by Labor, to highlight the Coalition government’s broken promises.
Ms Parker defines herself as “lucky” because her brain injury resulted from road trauma at age 21.
“It’s been tough, but I’m one of the lucky ones who have been funded by the Victorian transport accident scheme, who will be looked after for life and haven’t had to rely on the government system as it stands,” she said.
“Over the past few months, I’ve sat back and watched the harshness with which the Abbott government has treated people with disabilities, their families and carers.”
Ms Parker said this was demonstrated by the axing of the National People with Disability and Carers Council; the removal of a full-time disability discrimination commissioner; the axing of the ABC’s Ramp Up, a voice for people with disabilities; cuts to disability support pensions; the GP co-payment and increased cost of medication on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme; health funding cuts; and $1.6 million cut from the National Disability Advocacy Program.
“It feels very much like there is a clear disdain by the government towards us,” Ms Parker said.
“It’s been heartbreaking to watch, knowing people with disabilities, their families and carers will feel further pain to what they already experience daily, and it’s been relentless.
“The language being used by the government and many media outlets towards the disability community is reprehensible … we have been demonised, suspicion has been cast on anyone on welfare, and people with disabilities are hurting yet again. I can’t sit back and watch any longer.”
The forum is at Williamstown RSL Club, 128 Ferguson Street, Williamstown, from 9.30-10.30am on August 14.
To book, phone 9317 7077 or email tim.watts.mp@aph.gov.au
