State election 2014: Whittlesea disability advocate says respite care issue may decide most marginal seat

A WHITTLESEA disability advocate says the issue of respite care for people with disabilities may decide who wins the state’s most marginal seat this election.

Push for respite facilities in Whittlesea

WHITTLESEA disability advocate Trevor Carroll believes the issue of respite for people with disabilities could decide who wins the marginal seat of Yan Yean at this month’s state election.

Mr Carroll, the spokesman of Respite Alliance Whittlesea, said about 8.4 per cent of the group’s membership lived in Yan Yean.

He said members would turn the heat up on candidates to gain support for more respite beds.

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“(8.4 per cent) equates to the same percentage of first preference votes that the Greens received in the 2010 election in the electorate,” Mr Carroll said.

“With all three political parties committed to the Mernda rail extension, the next big issue for the election is disability.

“Whatever party comes good and builds and locates respite facilities in Yan Yean will secure the vote of the disability community.”

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So far, none of the three major political parties have committed to fund or to build a new respite centre since the 2010 election.

Whittlesea Mayor Mary Lalios called on politicians to make respite a priority.

“We now have the physical commitment for the infrastructure for the extension to Mernda, which is welcomed. We now need the social infrastructure which will help those who need it most,” Cr Lalios said.

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“With the additional growth, there is additional ... need for support. At the moment it’s not enough.”

The alliance and Whittlesea Council will host a public meeting on Tuesday, November 18, with Yan Yean state Labor MP Danielle Green and Greens candidate Daniel Sacchero attending. Liberal candidate Sam Ozturk is yet to confirm.

The meeting will be at Riverside Community Activity Centre, 8 Doreen Rogan Way, South Morang, 10-11.30am.