Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bernardi for the question. I do not have a specific brief on this other than that I do understand that as part of the COAG process, as Senator Bernardi would no doubt be aware, there have been discussions between the states and the Commonwealth about the appropriate arrangements for responsibilities in the family and community services area with particular reference to aged care and disability services and community care—in the HACC program and others—and that that is part of the COAG discussions. I do understand that the better delineation of responsibility for disability services is part of those discussions. From my own experiences when in opposition, in the portfolio that Senator Bernardi now holds, I know that the confusion and lack of clear responsibility lines in the disability area was a major problem in the sector and, I think, was a barrier to the proper use of resources and to effective public policy. But I will take on notice that question—in the sense of where those discussions are up to—from the senator. As I say, I know it has been the subject of the COAG discussions. I do not have a brief with me that would inform me of where those are at currently, but I will happily take that on notice for him and get him that information as soon as possible. I think that will help answer his question.