Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That—

(1)

The Senate:

(a)

notes:

(i)

the inclusion in 2006 of Part 3.18A—Private financial provision for certain people with disabilities—to the Social Security Act 1991 to enable the establishment of special disability trusts, and

(ii)

that since the introduction of Part 3.18A and to 31 December 2007 only 22 trusts have been established; and

(b)

recognises the potential benefits that special disability trusts can deliver for those living with a disability, but is concerned that there remain barriers to the establishment of special disability trusts that are limiting their wider beneficial application.

(2)

The following matters relating to special disability trusts be referred to the Community Affairs Committee for inquiry and report by 18 September 2008:

(a)

why more families of dependents with disabilities are not making use of the current provisions to establish Special Disability Trusts;

(b)

the effectiveness of Part 3.18A of the Social Security Act 1991;

(c)

barriers in the relevant legislation to the establishment of Special Disability Trusts; and

(d)

possible amendments to the relevant legislation.

Question agreed to.