In this update, Chris talks about his time leading Disability Support Services, key achievements in the last year, and the importance of connecting with the disability community first-hand.
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Video transcript
Kia ora koutou. I'm Chris Bunny. I’m leading Disability Support Services.
It’s been a while since my last update. I want to let you know what we’ve been up to. And let you know this will be my last update.
I joined DSS on a temporary basis in August last year, and my time here will end shortly.
Anne Shaw – who has appeared alongside me in a previous video - will take over my responsibilities when I leave at the end of September.
I can’t think of a better person to lead this work.
In the last year I have worked to stabilise disability services.
I have focused on 2 key areas.
The first was ensuring the smooth transfer of disability support services and functions into the new DSS business unit at MSD.
The second was setting up a Taskforce to respond to the recommendations of the independent review into the sustainability of the disability support system.
One year on, our progress includes:
Developing a simpler, fairer and more sustainable way to pay residential providers for the services they provide,
strengthening the quality and safety of services,
and securing an additional $250m per year to provide for cost increases and demand for DSS.
Of course, the highlight for me has been the opportunity to meet with the disability community.
Earlier this year, more than 1800 people took part in our community consultation on assessment tools, processes, and flexible funding.
You told us you wanted more choice and control in using flexible funding,
more consistency and clarity on assessments, and, in some circumstances, the needs of families and carers to be provided for.
We heard you, and have been working on how we can make it happen.
I know you are keen to hear the outcome and the Minister is intending to make an announcement in a few weeks time.
While work so far makes some improvement, there is still much to be done to make DSS fair, consistent, transparent, and sustainable. My team is committed to this work.
Once again, my heartfelt thanks to everyone I’ve had the privilege of meeting over the past year and your sharing of knowledge and experiences.
Hearing from you first-hand the impact the current system is having is so important to making positive change.
While my time in DSS is coming to an end my time as a member of this community is not. I hope to see many of you in the future.
Haere ra.