Message from the Minister
Lindy Nelson-Carr MP
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
State Budget 2008-09
Department of Communities and Disability Services Queensland
I am delighted to commend the 2008–09 State Budget to you, as it will enable my diverse portfolio to continue focusing its efforts on providing quality services to meet the demands of vulnerable or disadvantaged Queenslanders across the state.
This Budget represents a well-considered and balanced approach to addressing growing demands for human services fuelled by our population growth, resources boom and ageing population.
For example, the Department of Communities features $680.9 million in recurrent expenditure, which is an increase of $84 million or 14 per cent more than last year’s Budget.
This Budget will enable the department to continue its progress in building strong communities, where people feel safe, valued and empowered, regardless of their circumstances.
It means we can focus on the important areas such as early years initiatives, safe havens and youth justice demand management, all of which will help build better and safer futures for our young people.
The Budget also provides funding to target Indigenous services, to help us work in partnership to close the gap in life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Disability Services Queensland has received a total operational budget of $1.235 billion, which represents an increase of $152.8 million or 14 per cent more than last year’s Budget.
The increased budget allocation will assist people with a disability to achieve positive long term outcomes, helping to make a real difference to their quality of life.
Amongst the priority areas this year is an expanded commitment to providing support to families and individuals, and responding quickly to the needs of people who are experiencing emergency or crisis situations.
This Budget will provide for a sharper focus on early intervention and prevention programs and services to help expand service capacity.
It is a Budget that continues to build on the success of a diverse range of initiatives funded last year, and means we can continue to work towards a better quality of life for all Queenslanders.
Lindy Nelson-Carr MP
Minister for Communities, Disability Services,
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships,
Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
Last updated February 2009