[Greens-Media] Greens push for immediate changes to Special Disability Trusts

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens push for immediate changes to Special Disability Trusts
Thursday 16th October 2008
 
The Australian Greens have called on the Rudd Government to adopt
recommendations from the Senate Inquiry into Special Disability Trusts
tabled today in the Senate. The recommendations address current problems
with the legislation.
 
"While the introduction of the Special Disability Trust in September
2006 was welcomed, there were significant flaws in the legislation which
discouraged people from establishing these trusts," said Australian
Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
 
"In May this year, the Senate supported my motion to establish an
Inquiry into Special Disability Trusts, which has resulted in the report
tabled today."
 
"I believe if implemented, the changes recommended by  the Senate
Community Affairs committee will make Special Disability Trusts a key
tools that will enable parents to provide for their children's future
welfare. It will give peace of mind to parents and carers of those
living with disabilities wanting to plan for the future," said Senator
Siewert.
 
The report recommends:
- less restrictive eligibility requirements for beneficiaries; 
- allowable uses of special disability trusts be expanded; 
- exemption of capital gains tax and stamp duty from the sale and
transfer of property and other assets
 
"I greatly appreciate the efforts of the many concerned parents and
groups who made submissions and attended hearings for the Inquiry to
ensure Special Disability Trusts actually deliver the benefits to those
living with a disability and their families as originally intended,"
said Senator Siewert.
 
"For many elderly parents with children with a disability there is a
great urgency to have these recommendations implemented without delay to
enable them to confidently provide and plan for their future, and I
would expect the Rudd Government to implement them as soon as possible,"
Senator Siewert concluded.
 
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  |
www.greensmps.org.au