The Hon. IAN COHEN: I direct my question to the Minister for Disability Services. What implications do the findings of the Ombudsman in relation to people with disabilities and the closure of residential centres have for setting a funding level for Stronger Together II? What are the current departmental projections or timeframes for the closure of residential centres accommodating people with disabilities and transition to individual support packages in accordance with the Disability Services Act 1993? What is the department doing to provide greater access to advocacy and information services for people living in residential centres?

The Hon. PETER PRIMROSE: I thank the member for his question and his ongoing interest in this very important area. Stronger Together reinforces the New South Wales Government's commitment to close large residential centres and to provide funding to close the Grosvenor, Peat Island and Lachlan facilities. The Grosvenor facility was closed in January 2009 and the Peat Island and Lachlan facilities will be closed next month. All residents have been offered places in contemporary, purpose-built accommodation designed to meet their individual needs. This year's State budget also provided funding for the closure of the Riverside Centre at Orange, which will be achieved by 2013.

All large residential centres will be closed. I stress that this is an enormous undertaking that requires extensive planning and consultation with clients and their families. The most important thing is not keeping to an arbitrary timetable, but doing this properly for the residents in a way that best meets their needs and the needs of their families. Individual planning with clients and their families and guardians is the key to this process. The Government will ensure that all new accommodation services comply with the Disability Services Act. Indeed, in his report the New South Wales Ombudsman placed a clear emphasis on the need to engage fully with residents and their families, to provide advocacy for people where necessary and to ensure that new community-based places for people with a disability meet their individual needs and allow them to achieve meaningful community participation.

The Hon. Catherine Cusack: We don't want a repeat of Richmond.

The Hon. PETER PRIMROSE: I am concerned that the Opposition is questioning the closure of large residential centres. The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has been working constructively with the Ombudsman since the 2008 review of individual planning for people with a disability in large residential centres to improve its work in this area.

The Hon. Duncan Gay: I don't think Richmond covered you in glory.

The Hon. PETER PRIMROSE: I am concerned also that members of The Nationals are questioning the closure of large residential centres. Meeting the individual needs of clients in large residential centres is a priority for the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care. Planning for the closure of residential centres is also being done in accordance with the Ombudsman's recommendations. This is not something that can be done precipitously or according to a rigid timetable. We are talking about the lives of 1,350 people, many of whom have lived in these residences for many decades and who have formed strong relationships there. Residents must be at the centre of these service developments. Planning is occurring in close consultation with every resident and his or her family or guardian. We are ensuring that residents and their families are treated with respect and care.

This process involves a major undertaking with large financial implications. In recurrent dollars alone, we are talking about $200 million to support these clients, and capital solutions will cost in the vicinity of $500 million. Clients of large residential centres and their families and carers are able to access the spectrum of advocacy services funded throughout New South Wales. In addition, large residence closure programs specifically include funding for advocacy services to ensure that all residents have access to such services. The Government also supports the work of official community visitors and the volunteer efforts of the residents' welfare associations to ensure that the needs of residents are heard and responded to.