Labor grills NSW Disability Minister over what exactly she does in her job

A state government minister has come under fire after claiming concerns seemingly relating to her portfolio are issues for other departments to manage.

NSW Disability Services Minister Natasha Maclaren-Jones has copped a grilling from one Labor member after claiming wheelchair accessibility and accessibility for people with a disability is an issue for other departments.

It followed an exhaustive back and forth in which MLC Adam Searle questioned Ms Maclaren-Jones on the areas she believed to be under the jurisdiction of the Disability Services Minister.

“As Minister Disability, what do you see as your responsibilities; is it just a name?” Mr Searle asked.

She explained the department primarily advocates for services and works at a national level to support NDIS members.

Minister Families and Communities, and Minister Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said accessibility is not a matter of her portfolio. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Matters relating to accessibility are issues for those specific ministers,” Ms Mclaren-Jones said.

Mr Searle pointed to a video featuring former Paralympian and Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch, who is calling for an update on the Point Clare railway station upgrade.

Last week, temporary ramps were removed from the station, creating concern for local residents who rely on these ramps to access public transport.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch’s call for an accessibility upgrade to a Central Coast train station prompted the heated debate. Picture: Peter Lorimer

“In relation to transport access, these are questions that need to be put to the Transport Minister,” Ms Maclaren-Jones said.

“OK, you take no responsibility that you’ve got disability as your portfolio?,” Mr Searle probed.

The Minister simply replied that each ministry deals with accessibility issues under their own disability inclusion plan.

Mr Searle continued down his line of questioning, asking the Minister if a shuttle bus which transports members of the public from one side of the station to another is an appropriate response to the issue.

Ms Maclaren-Jones told Mr Searle for a second and third time to redirect these questions to the Transport Minister.

“How many train stations in NSW are not accessible for people in wheelchairs,” Mr Searle asked.

“Do you know how many accessible public bus services were replaced with non-accessible bus services in the last 12 months?

“Do you know how many ferry terminals are not wheelchair accessible?

“How many school libraries aren't accessible to persons with a disability in NSW?

The Disability Minister repeatedly refused to answer and instead referred Mr Searle to ask the appropriate portfolio ministers.